Liverpool supporters never find it easy to watch one of their greatest-ever players step away from the team — even temporarily. Yet, as winter approaches in 2025, they once again face that familiar challenge. Mohamed Salah, the icon of an entire era at Anfield, is preparing to join Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations, and this year he may depart earlier than usual. For Arne Slot and his staff, the timing couldn’t be worse, as it comes during one of the most demanding stretches of the Premier League season.
For nearly ten years, Salah has been the driving force of Liverpool’s attack — the player whose brilliance lifted the club to trophies, magical nights, and unforgettable goals. Since arriving from Roma in 2017, he has produced moments that will live forever: the solo strike against Manchester City, the Champions League heroics, the countless match-winners. He is more than a star; he is the embodiment of Liverpool’s rise under Jürgen Klopp — intense, fearless, and elite.
But this season, with a tight title race and a new manager in Slot, Salah’s potential absence feels even more significant. The 2025 AFCON runs from December 21 to January 18 — almost a month without Liverpool’s most decisive attacker. Worse still, reports from WinWin Sports suggest Egypt manager Hossam Hassan may call up his players early, around December 7. That would rule Salah out of key December fixtures, including matches crucial to Liverpool’s title ambitions. Egypt are also considering a friendly against Nigeria on December 14, which would require Salah to leave immediately after the Reds’ game with Brighton on December 13.
If these plans go ahead, Liverpool could lose Salah for at least six games, spanning domestic and possibly European competitions. And unlike the 2022 World Cup, the Premier League will continue as normal during AFCON. Liverpool will be forced to handle one of the busiest periods of the season without the man who has defined their attack for years.
This isn’t a new problem. In 2023 Salah also left for AFCON, and though Egypt exited earlier than expected, he returned with an injury that kept him sidelined for weeks. The memory of that disrupted period still worries supporters and staff. Losing his goals is one thing — but the physical strain and risk of injury in a midseason tournament create even more anxiety.
From a tactical perspective, the challenge for Slot is enormous. He has tried to build a Liverpool team defined by energy, control, and sharp transitions. Salah is vital to that identity — his off-ball movement, pressing, and clinical finishing drive the system forward. Without him, Slot will need to reshape his attack while attempting to keep the team’s rhythm intact.
Players like Luis Díaz, Diogo Jota, and Cody Gakpo will have to take on greater responsibility. Youngsters such as Ben Doak and Kaide Gordon may get more minutes, while Darwin Núñez will need to find consistency in front of goal. Yet even collectively, replacing Salah’s impact is nearly impossible. His presence lifts the squad and the crowd; his reliability sets the standard every week.
At 33, Salah is no longer the young winger who arrived from Roma, but he remains one of Europe’s fittest and most disciplined professionals. His motivation to represent Egypt is as strong as ever, and winning AFCON — a trophy he has narrowly missed in 2017 and 2021 — remains a burning ambition. Egypt, under Hossam Hassan, look stronger than in recent years, making this tournament especially meaningful for him.
For Liverpool, though, his commitment to his country creates a complicated situation. They respect his national duty, but losing him in December could have huge consequences. The festive schedule is traditionally decisive in England; titles may not be won in that period, but they are often lost there. Without Salah, Liverpool risk slipping behind at a crucial stage.
Slot has already begun preparing. Recent training sessions reportedly included alternative formations — some with two forwards, others with tighter midfields — as he explores the best way to cope without his star attacker. He has stressed the need for collective responsibility, reminding the squad that every player must contribute.
Still, even the best tactical adjustments cannot fully replace Salah’s influence. Since joining, he has scored over 200 goals, created countless assists, and helped deliver Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Club World Cup titles. Imagining Liverpool without him, even briefly, is imagining a team missing its heartbeat.
There is an emotional element, too. Salah’s relationship with the fans is unique. They adore his work ethic, humility, and loyalty. His name echoes around Anfield every match, and he has always responded with performances worthy of their admiration. His departure, even for a few weeks, leaves a void nothing else can fill.
This situation also raises long-term questions. Salah’s contract runs until 2027, and while Liverpool believe he will stay at least one more full season, Saudi interest continues to linger. The Saudi Pro League has never hidden its desire to sign him. Liverpool rejected a massive £150m bid in 2023, but more offers could come. How the club fares during AFCON may influence future decisions.
For now, the priority is managing the months ahead. Liverpool’s medical and performance staff will work closely with Salah before he leaves and will coordinate with Egypt to manage his workload and reduce injury risk. But tournaments are unpredictable — fatigue, overuse, and tough conditions make risk unavoidable.
For Egypt, Salah’s early arrival would be a huge advantage. His leadership transforms the squad, and young players take inspiration from his professionalism. For Liverpool, though, each extra day he spends away will feel heavy — a reminder of how vital he is.
Supporters can only hope Liverpool are firmly in the title race by the time Salah departs. That would ease the pressure. But if the standings are tight, his absence could determine everything. Football history is full of moments decided by small margins.
The festive fixtures also complicate things — Liverpool face awkward opponents who often upset bigger teams. These are exactly the games where Salah changes everything: breaking stubborn defences, scoring late winners, producing magic when it matters. Without him, Liverpool will need to find new solutions.
There is also a psychological shift whenever a figure like Salah leaves. Younger players must shoulder more responsibility, opponents sense weakness, and the internal balance changes. Slot must keep morale high and the squad unified.
If all goes well, Salah returns in late January, fit and confident. If Egypt reach the final, he might even come back as a champion — adding to his legacy. But if fatigue or injury strike, Liverpool could be left dealing with the consequences long after AFCON ends.
What is certain is that Salah’s absence will be felt deeply. Losing him isn’t just losing goals — it’s losing leadership, inspiration, and identity. For years, he has carried Liverpool forward. Now the team must find a way to carry themselves without him.
The coming weeks will test Liverpool’s depth, character, and adaptability. Can they keep their momentum alive? Can they treat adversity as fuel? Those answers must come quickly.
As AFCON draws closer, Liverpool fans are preparing for a bittersweet end to the year. They’ll support Salah on his international journey, but they’ll also count the days until he returns through the Shankly Gates, ready to electrify Anfield once again. Because one thing has never changed: when Mohamed Salah plays, Liverpool believe — and belief is the lifeblood of this club.
