Image Credits: Imago Images
Arne Slot has confirmed when he expects Mohamed Salah to depart for AFCON 2025.
There has been uncertainty due to the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF), the governing body for African football, reportedly asking all participating nations to ask clubs to allow their players to join their national teams by December 8, 2025.
They reportedly cited FIFA regulations; national teams are entitled to call up players 14 days before the start of a major tournament.
The organizing committee for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has also instructed all participating teams to arrive in Morocco at least five days prior to their opening match, aiming to avoid any scheduling issues or confusion surrounding the tournament fixtures.
However, it seems that Liverpool and the Egypt FA have come to an amicable agreement.
Speaking in his pre-Sunderland press conference, the Dutchman revealed when Salah departs:
“It’s the 15th of December, it’s always in these situations that the player is involved, Egypt, and the situation of the club. Then there are talks on what is best for all three of us.”
The Egyptian captain will therefore be available for upcoming Premier League fixtures against Sunderland (Dec 3), Leeds United (Dec 6), and Brighton (Dec 13) before joining his national team.
He will, however, miss crucial festive fixtures against Tottenham (Dec 20), Wolves (Dec 27), and the return game against Leeds (Dec 30).
Depending on Egypt’s progress in Morocco, he could also be absent for high-profile January clashes against Fulham and Arsenal.
The Pharaohs begin their campaign against Zimbabwe on December 22 in Agadir, with a warm-up friendly against Nigeria scheduled for December 14.
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