Liverpool are set to wave goodbye to Mohamed Salah for a number of weeks as the Egypt star heads off to the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 2025 tournament kicks off slightly earlier than previous editions, with the group stage taking place over the second half of December, before the knockout stage begins in early January.
That means a number of the Premier League’s biggest stars are heading to host nation Morocco before the top-flight’s traditionally busy festive period.
AFCON rules state that clubs must release their players no later than December 15, with the tournament kicking off on December 21.
Egypt’s training camp, though, begins on Wednesday, December 3, before a closed camp commences on Sunday, December 7.
Liverpool have now confirmed that Salah will skip the first week of camp, including Egypt’s pre-tournament friendly against Nigeria on Sunday, December 14, and join up with his international team-mates on Monday, December 15.
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Egypt's first group game is on December 22 against Zimbabwe, followed by South Africa on December 26 and Angola on December 29.
The knockout stages begin on January 3, with the final on January 18.
That means, should Egypt reach the final in Rabat, Salah will be unavailable for Liverpool for over a month.
Liverpool games Salah will miss at AFCON
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)FA Cup third round (weekend of January 10-11)Burnley (a), Premier League (January 17)
You can follow the African Cup of Nations live on Standard Sport.