Liverpool Star Mohamed Salah to Skip Crucial Match as Egypt Storms Through AFCON
Liverpool will definitely be missing Mohamed Salah for their journey to Arsenal in early January following Egypt's qualification to the round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Friday.
Salah left for AFCON after Liverpool's 2–0 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion, with the 33-year-old returning to action against the Seagulls for the first time since his controversial interview where he questioned his Liverpool future.
With Salah now appearing likely to remain at Anfield after his return to the squad, Liverpool will be eager to have their star striker back as quickly as possible, particularly given Alexander Isak's recent injury problems that further limit Arne Slot's offensive choices.
Regrettably for the Reds, they must wait longer for Salah's return. Through decisive goals from the forward in AFCON group matches against Zimbabwe and South Africa, Egypt secured their spot as the first nation to advance to the tournament's knockout rounds.
Salah's crucial strikes in tight wins guaranteed that the defending champions will compete in the round of 16 at the beginning of the new year, with Egypt's opening knockout fixture scheduled against the third-place finisher from Group A, C or D on Jan. 5.
Even should Egypt fall in that encounter, the quick turnaround between the game and Liverpool's away Premier League fixture at Arsenal on Jan. 8 will be too brief for Salah to participate at the Emirates Stadium.
Slot's squad has found stability in recent weeks following a disappointing October and November, but they will still be concerned about facing high-performing Arsenal next month. Their task will be even more difficult without Salah.
When Will Salah Return for Liverpool?
It continues to be uncertain exactly when Salah will return from international commitments, but Liverpool fans might quietly be hoping for an early Egypt elimination that would bring their key player back as soon as possible.
If Egypt gets eliminated in the round of 16, then Salah would likely be ready for the FA Cup third round encounter with Barnsley on Jan. 12, though he seems unlikely to start that match anyway.
Egypt's quarter-final would occur on Jan. 10 if they advance past the last 16, while their semi-final match would happen four days after. Should they reach the final, Salah will be unavailable for Liverpool until after the championship match on Jan. 18.
If Egypt progresses all the way to the final, then it appears doubtful that Salah will make his club return until the meeting with Bournemouth on Jan. 24, or possibly even Liverpool's last Champions League league phase encounter with Qarabağ on Jan. 28.