Mohamed Salah is poised to be absent for six pivotal matches in Liverpool's upcoming season, including a crucial clash with title contenders Arsenal. Salah had an exceptional season last year, playing a key role in Liverpool's triumphant title campaign.
He once again demonstrated his importance to the Merseyside club, netting 29 goals and featuring in every single league match. His contributions were instrumental in Liverpool's march to the title, their first Premier League victory since 2020.
His goal-scoring prowess earned him a fresh two-year contract at Anfield, despite his existing deal being due to end this summer. However, the forward will remain to aid Slot's team in their title defence.
The 33-year-old's impressive record also saw him clinch the Premier League's Golden Boot award for the fourth time, as well as earning him the Player of the Year accolade for a second time. The schedule for the forthcoming season was unveiled on Wednesday.
However, it immediately presented a challenge for Liverpool, with Salah expected to miss a total of six matches. This means Slot will need to devise a strategy to cope with the loss of his star player during a critical phase of the season.
Salah's absence is attributed to his involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations. The forward, who captains Egypt, will participate in the tournament, which Morocco will host.
Egypt's opening match is a group stage encounter with Zimbabwe on 22 December in Agadir. The Egyptian national team will likely have Salah in their ranks at least a week prior to this fixture, unless Liverpool negotiate to retain him for a longer period.
Mohamed Salah (captain) of Egypt during Morocco versus Egypt, African Cup of Nations, at Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium on January 30, 2022.
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah in action for Egypt. (Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Should no agreement be reached, Salah could potentially miss Liverpool's journey to Tottenham, scheduled for the Gameweek commencing December 20. He would then certainly be absent for the Wolves match on December 27, as Egypt play South Africa on Boxing Day.
Liverpool's clash with Leeds will also take place without Salah. This match is set to occur from December 30 onwards, while Egypt face Angola on 29 December.
Of course, Egypt's continuation in the tournament beyond these three group games remains uncertain. However, they are among the favourites to clinch the AFCON title for the eighth time.
Having last won the tournament in 2010, if they progress past the group stage, they'll face four knockout rounds. The first of these will take place between January 3-5, depending on their group standing.
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This implies that Salah will be unavailable for Liverpool's match against Fulham, tentatively slated for January 3. Even if Egypt exit the tournament early, it would leave Salah with little time to prepare for the Arsenal match on January 7.
If Egypt do advance, Salah will definitely miss the trip to Arsenal. In such a scenario, their quarter-final would be held on either 9 or 10 January.
Following the Arsenal match, the Premier League will take a 10-day hiatus, with Liverpool's next fixture scheduled against Burnley around January 17. However, should Egypt progress to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, Salah will also be absent for the Burnley clash, with the final set to take place in Rabat on 18 January.