Liverpool FC fans will be relieved to receive an update from the Egyptian FA regarding Mo Salah.
Despite Egypt completing their successful World Cup qualifying campaign last month, the 33-year-old has continued his involvement with the Pharaohs during this international break, playing the full 90 minutes in their 2-0 defeat to Uzbekistan on Friday. Hossam Hassan’s squad faces Cape Verde in a friendly tomorrow as part of preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which kicks off in just over a month and will sideline the Reds winger during the Christmas and New Year period.
Late on Saturday, the Egyptian FA issued squad updates ahead of Monday’s fixture against the surprise African World Cup qualifiers. Salah was not listed among the two players who missed training due to injury; instead, it was confirmed that he would be “rested” against Cape Verde.
This announcement will be met with huge relief in Merseyside, as Liverpool’s number 11 remains a key figure in Arne Slot’s squad despite some pundits questioning his place in the starting XI. While Salah’s five goals this season fall slightly short of expectations and his xG of 5.2 (FBref) suggests underperformance, his absence will be felt when he departs for AFCON next month.
At least sitting out the Cape Verde match ensures he will return to Merseyside fit, allowing Liverpool to count on him to spark a resurgence in form after a challenging autumn. Salah is expected to miss the Premier League clash at Arsenal on 8 January unless Egypt are eliminated early from AFCON, giving players like Federico Chiesa a chance to enjoy extended game time on the right flank over the festive period.
Until then, fans will hope their Egyptian King returns to his world-class best, delivering the match-winning moments that have become his trademark over the years.
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