A closer look at some Liverpool headlines as a Mohamed Salah issue emerges and a Reds star addresses speculation over his future at the club
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool
Liverpool could be without Mohamed Salah for longer than the club hoped(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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Liverpool will be eager to return to action as the end of the international break nears. The Reds signed off with their disappointing defeat to Manchester City before the latest pause to the league season.
The break will have given manager Arne Slot time to consider how to stop his side's recent slump. Despite defeating Real Madrid in the Champions League earlier this month, Liverpool have won just one of their last six league games.
A home game against Nottingham Forest is next up for Slot’s side, who will want to rediscover their league-winning form from last season quickly. However, the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations could hinder the team’s chances of returning to their best.
Mohamed Salah is set to lead Egypt at the tournament and it is still uncertain how many games the forward could miss for his club. Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate has addressed the speculation around his future.
The defender has entered the final year of his deal and has consistently been linked with a possible move to Real Madrid. Here, Mirror Football takes a look at some of the headlines surrounding Liverpool.
Mohamed Salah concern
Liverpool could be without Mohamed Salah for longer than initially hoped, as talks between the Reds and the Egyptian FA continue. The issue centres around Egypt wanting Salah as part of their squad for a pre-tournament friendly against Nigeria on December 14.
The Reds would prefer for Salah to head on international duty after their home match against Brighton on December 13. However, Egypt’s desire to have Salah available for selection against Nigeria means the 33-year-old could potentially miss one more match than initially expected.
Talks between Liverpool and Egypt are ongoing. Addressing the issue, Egypt’s technical director Ibrahim Hassan told winwin.com : "We are still in contact with Liverpool and Manchester City (over Omar Marmoush) at the moment for this matter."
Mohamed Salah of Egypt
Mohamed Salah will attempt to win AFCON with Egypt
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If Salah does miss the Brighton match, he could be absent for up to nine Liverpool games, should Egypt reach the AFCON final on January 18. The Reds have seven league games, plus a Champions League tie in Marseille a few days later. The FA Cup third round will also be played during this period.
Salah will hope to win AFCON for the first time in his career, having twice finished runner-up. Meanwhile, it was confirmed ahead of Egypt’s friendly with Cape Verde on Monday that the Liverpool star would be rested.
Ibrahima Konate admission
Ibrahima Konate has admitted that speculation over his future has impacted how he is perceived by some Liverpool fans. The centre-back arrived from RB Leipzig in 2021 and has won the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup during his time at Anfield.
Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool
Irahima Konate has discussed the reports about his Liverpool future
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However, the 26-year-old has been linked with a move to Real Madrid as he nears the end of his contract, a switch that would see him reunite with former teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold. While away on France duty, Konate admitted his frustration with the transfer reports.
"It’s difficult, we can’t say everything because a lot of things are already being said in the media," Konate told TF1. "Some of the things that I read, I’m like… oh la la. That puts me in a tight spot with Liverpool fans, and they don’t even know all the ins and outs.”
Earlier in the international break, Konate had said of his future: "My agents continue to discuss with Liverpool. I hope my decision will be made very soon so I can announce it."
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