Mohamed Salah latest
Mohamed Salah latest
Liverpool may be bracing for a bigger setback than expected, and the timing could hardly be worse. Just when fans hoped Mohamed Salah would stay a little longer before heading to AFCON, Egypt have reportedly moved their training camp even earlier.
What does this mean for the Reds’ festive push? The picture is getting clearer — and more worrying.
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has apparently decided to shift the national team’s AFCON 2025 preparation camp from December 7 to December 1, giving his squad extra time together before the tournament in Morocco.
Under FIFA rules, clubs must release players by December 8, but Egypt pushing for an even earlier date puts Liverpool in a difficult spot.
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The Reds had hoped Salah could feature in the Brighton match on December 13, but that now seems unlikely if Egypt insist on his early release.
Reports (via WinWin Sports) claim that the Egyptian FA has been in contact with Liverpool about Salah’s availability, with Egypt also eager for him to join a friendly against Nigeria on December 14.
That friendly falls just one day after the Brighton clash — and right before Liverpool’s tough Champions League trip to Inter on December 9.
If Egypt hold firm on their plan, Liverpool could lose their star man for up to eight matches, depending on how far Egypt go in the tournament. And given Salah’s history with AFCON, fans know he tends to drag his country deep into the competition.
The big question fans are asking: When will Salah actually leave?
Liverpool are reluctant to release him early, and Salah reportedly wants to play as many matches as possible before reporting for international duty.
But with Egypt pushing for an early camp, plus FIFA’s December 8 cutoff, the Reds appear to be running out of wiggle room.
CAF have already confirmed the official release date, and Egypt want even more time with their captain. That’s a major blow for Liverpool’s December plans — the month when the Premier League table often begins to take shape.
Could Liverpool be without Salah for eight games?
Below is a simple table listing the fixtures Salah could miss if Egypt reach the AFCON final:
Matches Mo Salah could miss due to AFCON
Competition Fixture Date
Premier League Brighton (H) December 13
Premier League Tottenham (A) December 20
Premier League Wolves (H) December 27
Premier League Leeds (H) January 1
Premier League Fulham (A) January 4
Premier League Arsenal (A) January 8
FA Cup Third Round January 9/10/11
Premier League Burnley (H) January 17
What Anfield Home thinks?
This situation may give Arne Slot an early-season headache. While Liverpool have improved their attacking depth, replacing Salah’s consistency is close to impossible.
If Egypt insist on their advanced camp start, the Reds must respond smartly — not emotionally. Slot may need to lean on the full squad, drop in a tactical surprise, or hope January reinforcements arrive on time.
Losing Salah was expected. Losing him earlier than expected? That’s the real curveball.