Image Credits: Imago Images
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is nearly upon us, with Morocco set to welcome 24 nations for the continent’s flagship international tournament.
Running from December 21 to January 18, this year’s edition promises to be one of the most competitive yet, with hosts Morocco, defending champions Ivory Coast, and seven-time winners Egypt all harbouring ambitions of lifting the trophy at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
For Liverpool, AFCON means one thing: an extended absence for Mohamed Salah.
Arne Slot confirmed in his pre-Sunderland press conference that the Egyptian captain will depart for international duty on December 15, meaning he is available for the Reds’ upcoming fixtures against Sunderland, Leeds and Brighton before linking up with the Pharaohs.
Egypt’s Group Stage Schedule
Salah and Egypt have been drawn in Group B alongside South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe. The Pharaohs’ group stage fixtures are as follows:
December 22 – Egypt vs Zimbabwe
December 26 – Egypt vs South Africa
December 29 – Angola vs Egypt
Egypt are expected to progress comfortably from what looks a manageable group, though South Africa will provide stern competition for top spot.
Games Salah Will Definitely Miss
During Egypt’s group stage campaign, Salah is guaranteed to miss the following Liverpool fixtures:
December 20 – Tottenham (A) – Premier League
December 27 – Wolves (H) – Premier League
December 30 – Leeds (H) – Premier League
These three matches fall directly during Egypt’s group stage.
Games Salah Could Miss If Egypt Progress
Should Egypt advance from their group, which they are heavily favoured to do, Salah’s absence will extend further. The knockout rounds begin on January 3 and run through to the final on January 18. Here are the additional Liverpool games he could miss:
January 3 – Fulham (A) – Premier League (AFCON Round of 16: Jan 3-6)
January 7 – Arsenal (A) – Premier League (AFCON Quarter-finals: Jan 9-10)
January 17 – Burnley (H) – Premier League (AFCON Semi-finals: Jan 14)
January 21 – Marseille (A) – Champions League (AFCON Final: Jan 18)
If Egypt reach the final on January 18, Salah would miss a total of seven matches across the Premier League and Champions League. Even a quarter-final exit would see him absent for at least five games, including the trip to Arsenal.
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