Liverpool will be hoping to return to winning ways when the Premier League resumes, but the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations could hinder their chances
Jake Bayliss Sport Writer - U35s and Will Schofield Senior Sports Reporter
08:45, 18 Nov 2025
Mohamed Salah of the Egypt national team runs with the ball during the FIFA friendly international match between the Egypt national team and the Uzbekistan national team at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, UAE.
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Mohamed Salah could miss a chunk of Liverpool's season(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Liverpool are keen to get back on the pitch as the international break draws to a close. The Reds' last match before the pause in league play was a disappointing loss to Manchester City.
The break has given manager Arne Slot time to ponder how to halt his team's recent downturn. Despite a victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League earlier this month, Liverpool have only managed one win in their last six league matches.
Next up for Slot's squad is a home game against Nottingham Forest, where they'll be eager to quickly regain the form that saw them crowned league champions last season. However, the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations could pose a challenge to the team's return to top form.
Here, Daily Star Sportexamines some of the headlines surrounding Liverpool.
Mohamed Salah concern
Mohamed Salah of Egypt
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Mohamed Salah will attempt to win AFCON with Egypt(Image: Ahmed Awaad/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Liverpool may be without Mohamed Salah for longer than initially anticipated, as negotiations between the Reds and the Egyptian FA continue, reports the Mirror.
The issue revolves around Egypt wanting Salah to join their squad for a pre-tournament friendly against Nigeria on 14 December. Liverpool would prefer Salah to join his national team after their home game against Brighton on 13 December.
However, Egypt's wish for Salah to be available for the match against Nigeria could mean the 33-year-old might miss an additional game than initially anticipated.
Negotiations between Liverpool and Egypt are ongoing. Should Salah miss the Brighton game, he could potentially be absent for up to nine Liverpool matches if Egypt make it to the AFCON final on 18 January.
Ibrahima Konate makes admission
Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool
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Irahima Konate has discussed the reports about his Liverpool future(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Ibrahima Konate has confessed that speculation over his future has affected how some Liverpool fans perceive him. The centre-back, who joined from RB Leipzig in 2021, has won the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup during his tenure at Anfield.
However, the 26-year-old has been associated with a potential move to Real Madrid as his contract nears its conclusion, a transfer that would reunite him with former teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold.
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While on duty with France, Konate expressed his annoyance at the transfer rumours.
"It's difficult, we can't say everything because a lot of things are already being said in the media," Konate confessed to 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 during the international break, Konate had commented on his future: "My agents continue to discuss with Liverpool. I hope my decision will be made very soon so I can announce it."