Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool are set to be without Mohamed Salah for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations this month, as Egypt aim for glory in the tournament running from December 21 to January 18.
This year’s competition overlaps with Liverpool’s fixtures against Wolves, Leeds United, Fulham, Arsenal, and Burnley.
The Pharaohs’ preparations begin with an open training camp on Wednesday, followed by a closed camp starting Sunday.
They also have a friendly against Nigeria on Sunday, December 14, before travelling to Morocco for final preparations three days later.
Although training begins this week, Liverpool are not required to release Salah immediately.
Mohamed Salah has been officially named in Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations squad.
The club reportedly hope to retain the 33-year-old for their Premier League clash with Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, December 13.
However, Liverpool are currently awaiting FIFA’s decision on the official release date for players participating in the tournament.
The international governing body is expected to require clubs to release players two weeks before the tournament, which would be this Sunday.
If Salah is released then, he would miss Liverpool’s matches against Inter Milan and Brighton.
His final game for the club before the tournament could be the trip to Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday, December 6.
He will definitely miss Liverpool’s clashes with Tottenham, Wolves, and Leeds over the festive period, with his availability for later matches dependent on how far Egypt progress.
Liverpool may not feel Salah’s absence as acutely as they did at this time last year.
Salah had a stellar Premier League season in 2024/25, but a disappointing 2025/26 campaign has seen him score just five goals and provide three assists across all competitions.
Liverpool’s struggles this season have mirrored his dip in form, with the defending Premier League champions currently sitting eighth in the table, having won only two of their last five league matches.
Arne Slot will hope that Sunday’s 2-0 win over West Ham marks a turning point for the side.
Liverpool’s next fixture is a home clash against Sunderland on Wednesday night.
It’s here 🙌 The preliminary squad list for #ThePharaohs ahead of the AFCON! 🇪🇬#egyptnt pic.twitter.com/xwXy3KiGS1
— Egypt National Team (@EgyptNT_EN) December 1, 2025
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