“Mo Salah’s AFCON Choice Sets Up Potential Clash Between Liverpool and Egypt”

Liverpool could be set for a tricky few weeks as their talisman, Mo Salah, finds himself caught between club and country. The 33-year-old is poised to miss some of the Reds’ festive fixtures due to his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, which runs from 21 December to 18 January. Egypt, among the tournament favourites, are reportedly eager to have Salah join preparations two weeks ahead, potentially further limiting his availability for Liverpool.

 

According to Mail Sport’s Lewis Steele, Salah is expected to hold talks with Egypt coach Hossam Hassan next week to find a solution that satisfies both sides. Under the rules, Hassan can call up the winger two weeks before AFCON, which could see Salah miss Liverpool’s Champions League trip to Inter Milan on 9 December, as well as the home Premier League clash against Brighton four days later.

 

Salah’s preference is clear: he wants to stay with Liverpool for those crucial games before joining Egypt. With Liverpool recently exiting the Carabao Cup, the timing could allow him a rare midweek break, keeping him available for the Seagulls clash. In an ideal scenario for the Reds, Salah remains for the Inter and Brighton games, and Egypt suffer a shock early exit—potentially returning for Liverpool’s New Year’s Day fixture against Leeds, though that window would still be tight.

 

However, if Salah joins Hassan’s squad for the full training camp and Egypt progress deep into the tournament, he could miss up to eight Liverpool matches, including high-profile Premier League trips to Tottenham and Arsenal.

 

This will mark the third time Salah departs mid-season for AFCON. While previous editions passed without incident, his early return from injury in the 2023 tournament sparked outrage in Egypt and saw him struggle for the remainder of the season, derailing Liverpool’s title challenge.

 

With Salah clearly hoping to delay his departure, Liverpool will be praying for a compromise with Hassan. Fans and management alike will be hoping the Reds’ number 11 can strike a balance between club loyalty and national duty—without a repeat of past heartbreak.