Mohamed Salah has been named in Egypt's Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) squad, as Liverpool anxiously await FIFA's decision on player release dates for the tournament.
Mohamed Salah looks down.
Mohamed Salah has struggled to make a mark this season.
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Mohamed Salah's inclusion in Egypt's Africa Cup Of Nations squad has dealt a significant blow to Liverpool as they stand to lose their star man for several matches. The tournament is scheduled from 21 December to 18 January, overlapping with Liverpool's fixtures against Wolves, Leeds United, Fulham, Arsenal and Burnley - should the nation make it all the way to the final.
However, Salah could potentially depart Merseyside even sooner. This is due to Egypt's training camp commencing on Wednesday, followed by a closed camp from Sunday.
They also have a friendly match against Nigeria on Sunday, 14 December, before then heading to Morocco for final preparations three days later. However, it's not compulsory for Liverpool to release Salah at this stage.
Reports suggest that the club are hopeful of keeping the 33-year-old for their clash against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday, 13 December. Liverpool are currently awaiting FIFA's final decision on when players must be released for the tournament.
International football's governing body is expected to mandate player release two weeks prior to the tournament, which would be this Sunday. If this is the case, Salah would miss Liverpool's games against Inter Milan and Brighton.
His last game for the club would likely be against Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday, 6 December. Here's a look at the matches Salah could potentially miss due to AFCON;
Inter Milan (A) - Champions League - December 9
Brighton (H) - Premier League - December 13
Tottenham (A) - Premier League - December 20
Wolves (H) - Premier League - December 27
Leeds United (H) - Premier League - January 1
Fulham (A) - Premier League - January 4
Arsenal (A) - Premier League - January 8
Burnley (A) - Premier League - January 17
Mohamed Salah watches on.
Egypt have named Mohamed Salah in their AFCON plans.
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Salah is also set to be absent for Liverpool's fixtures against Spurs, Wolves and Leeds during the festive season. However, his availability for subsequent games hinges on Egypt's duration in the tournament.
The Reds might not feel Salah's absence as keenly as they would have last year. Despite being in top form in the Premier League last season, as they lifted the title, Salah has had a less than stellar 2025/2026 campaign, netting just five goals and providing three assists across all competitions.
It comes as Liverpool have been grappling with a dip in form in the English top-flight this term. As it stands, the reigning Premier League champions are languishing in eighth place in the league table, having secured only two victories from their last five outings.
Nonetheless, Arne Slot will be hoping that Sunday's 2-0 triumph vs West Ham marks a turning point for his team. Next up for Liverpool is a showdown with AFC Sunderland at Anfield on Wednesday.
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