Liverpool are preparing for life without Mo Salah as the Africa Cup of Nations approaches β but thereβs been an unexpected twist in their favor. Despite fears they would lose their star forward early, the Reds will now be able to keep him longer than originally thought.
Egypt manager Hossam Hassan had hoped to call his squad together this week ahead of the tournament in Morocco, where the Pharaohs begin their campaign against Zimbabwe just three days before Christmas. Salah, meanwhile, planned to speak directly with his national team boss in hopes of delaying his departure until after Liverpoolβs clash with Brighton.
Now it looks like heβs getting that wish.
When does Salah actually have to leave?
According to Mail Sport, FIFA has granted clubs an extra seven days before releasing players for AFCON. That means the mandatory release date has been pushed back from next Monday to 15 December.
This gives Liverpool a huge boost: Salah is now eligible for four more matches, including the Champions League trip to Inter Milan and the Premier League showdown with Fabian HΓΌrzelerβs Brighton.
A brief glimpse of life without Salah
Liverpoolβs 2-0 victory over West Ham on Sunday offered a preview of what the team might look like during the AFCON period. Salah stayed on the bench, yet Arne Slotβs side handled the challenge with maturity, controlling the match and securing a deserved win.
Still, despite the criticism thatβs followed him this season, Salah remains Liverpoolβs joint-second top scorer, with five goals. His quality, leadership, and presence will be missed β especially during tough away fixtures at Tottenham and Arsenal while heβs on international duty.
For now, Liverpool breathe easier
The Reds can count on Salah for the trip to the San Siro and for the tricky December 13 matchup against Brighton at Anfield. Even if Slot chooses not to start him, simply having Salah available is a major relief β particularly with injuries already beginning to nibble at the squad.
Liverpool may be preparing for his absence, but for the moment, their Egyptian King remains part of the battle a little longer.
