How likely is it that Liverpool will bring Mo Salah back for Saturday’s clash after Egypt’s latest AFCON heartbreak?
Mohamed Salah’s wait for AFCON glory goes on after Egypt were edged out 1-0 by Senegal in Wednesday’s semi-final. The Liverpool star has now featured in five editions of the tournament without lifting the trophy, having come agonisingly close in 2017 and 2022, when Egypt were beaten in the final by Cameroon and Senegal.
With Salah turning 34 in June, the prospect is growing that one of Africa’s greatest-ever players may finish his career without a continental crown for his country, despite his immense club success and remarkable individual accolades.
A late Sadio Mané strike in Tangier ended Egypt’s hopes of reaching the final, though they still have the third-place play-off against Nigeria on Saturday. That match clashes with Liverpool’s Premier League fixture against Burnley, but the Reds are not expected to recall him early.
According to Liverpool.com, the club remain “respectful” of Egypt’s remaining commitment at AFCON, meaning Salah is likely to stay on and return to Merseyside afterwards. Liverpool will also remember that Egypt previously rested him in a friendly against Cape Verde after World Cup qualification was secured, while national coach Hossam Hassan criticised Salah for leaving AFCON early through injury two years ago.
Although Liverpool would prefer to have him available against Burnley rather than see him play in a largely symbolic match, maintaining a healthy relationship with the Egyptian FA appears to be a factor.
Arne Slot’s side have stayed unbeaten during Salah’s absence and should be able to cope for one more game without him, with hopes that he will be back in time for next Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Marseille.
There may still be fences to mend following his public frustration after the 3-3 draw at Leeds, and supporters will be eager for a response from a player whose tally of five goals is unusually low at this stage of the campaign.
It may take a few more days, but the hope is that Salah will return in a Liverpool shirt at the Stade Vélodrome, ready to slot back into the team with no lingering tension from Elland Road.