Mohamed Salah is set for ‘crunch talks’ with his Egypt manager, while Thursday brought an announcement from Liverpool which could spark Jurgen Klopp speculation.
Salah’s ‘crunch talks’ with Egypt
Liverpool already know they will be without Salah for at least three games over the festive period due to his participation with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations – which runs from December 21 to January 18.
If Egypt went all the way to the final – or third-placed playoffs – the number of fixtures missed could stretch to seven.
However with Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan preparing a training camp in the buildup to the tournament, including a friendly against Nigeria on December 14, there is a risk Salah could be called up early.
Mohamed Salah Egypt (Sebo47 / Alamy Stock Photo)
The Mail‘s Lewis Steele reports that Salah is expected to hold “crunch talks” with Hassan when he joins up with the Egypt squad later this month.
It is maintained that Liverpool’s No. 11 is still more likely to depart for AFCON following the clash with Brighton on December 13, but that is not yet certain.
Salah is said to be more inclined to stay with his club for as long as possible, and hopefully common sense will prevail.
Today’s Liverpool FC News: Klopp’s Anfield return?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, May 18, 2024: Liverpool's manager Jürgen Klopp before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
• Could Jurgen Klopp be back in the dugout at Anfield (for one game only)? LFC Legends will play Dortmund in a charity match on March 28, 2026 – it seems like the perfect opportunity!
• Preliminary talks have begun over a new long-term contract for Dominik Szoboszlai, with it crucial that Liverpool tie down one of their most important players.
• Sources at Real Madrid believe Marc Guehi has “given his word” to join Liverpool on a free transfer in the summer – which would be ideal.
• Ajax have confirmed the sacking of former Liverpool assistant John Heitinga following their 3-0 defeat to Galatasaray, leaving Vitezslav Jaros and James McConnell to work under a new head coach.
Elsewhere in the football world today
GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY - Sunday, June 30, 2024: England's goal-scorer Jude Bellingham applauds the supporters after the UEFA Euro 2024 Round of 16 match between England and Slovakia at the Arena AufSchalke. England won 2-1 after extra-time. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
• Thomas Tuchel is expected to name Jude Bellingham in his England squad on Friday after his controversial decision to omit the midfielder (Guardian)
• Nottingham Forest and Olympiakos owner Evangelos Marinakis is on trial in Greece over sports-related violence, along with 142 football fans (Independent)
• Mauricio Pochettino, who is now USA head coach, admits he is “missing the Premier League” – no doubt he’ll be getting a call from Mr. Marinakis in the near future (BBC Sport)
Liverpool FC: On this day
It was on November 7, 2007 that Liverpool beat Besiktas 8-0 at Anfield to claim the biggest win of the Champions League era.
No team has managed a margin of more than eight goals, and only Real Madrid have equalled it – against Malmo in 2015.
Yossi Benayoun netted a hat-trick on the night along with Peter Crouch and Ryan Babel braces, while Steven Gerrard also got one.
Remarkably, it was only 2-0 at half-time!