Liverpool could soon find themselves in a delicate standoff with the Egyptian national team over Mohamed Salah’s availability ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The tournament, set to take place in Morocco from December 21 to January 18, threatens to sideline the Liverpool star during a crucial stretch of the Premier League season.
At 33, Salah remains the heartbeat of both club and country, but his participation in AFCON could see him miss a significant number of Liverpool’s matches over the festive period. Reports from Egypt suggest that national team coach Hossam Hassan plans to begin preparations with a training camp two weeks before the tournament begins — a move that would require Salah to leave Anfield earlier than FIFA’s official call-up window.
Salah, however, is reportedly eager to stay with Liverpool for as long as possible, prioritizing key fixtures before joining his national team. According to journalist Lewis Steele of Mail Sport, the Egyptian captain intends to hold talks with Hassan next week in hopes of reaching a compromise.
Under FIFA regulations, Egypt can request Salah’s release 14 days before the start of the tournament, which would mean he could miss Liverpool’s Champions League fixture against Inter Milan on December 9 and their Premier League clash with Brighton on December 13.
Liverpool’s early exit from the Carabao Cup may offer some scheduling relief, but the potential absence of their star forward remains a major concern. Should Egypt progress deep into the competition — as many expect — Salah could be unavailable for up to eight matches, including high-profile games against Tottenham and Arsenal.
This will be the third time Salah has left mid-season for AFCON duties. His last campaign in 2023 ended in frustration after an untimely injury curtailed his impact and disrupted Liverpool’s rhythm in the title race.
Now, as both club and country prepare for a pivotal winter period, all eyes will be on the negotiations between Salah and the Egyptian FA. Liverpool manager Arne Slot will be hoping for a cooperative resolution that allows his talisman to remain fit, sharp, and available for as long as possible before representing his nation on the continental stage.
