Image Credits: Imago Images
Mohamed Salah has been absent from Liverpool’s starting line-up in recent weeks, with his last start coming in the 4-1 loss to PSV at the end of last month. Arne Slot then opted to bench him for matches against West Ham United, Sunderland, and Leeds United. Salah was brought on at half-time against Sunderland but remained unused against West Ham and Leeds. After Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Leeds, Salah expressed his frustration, claiming his relationship with Slot had broken down and that he was being “thrown under the bus,” even hinting that the Brighton match could be his last for Liverpool.
Following these comments, Salah was dropped for the trip to Inter Milan but was reinstated for the Brighton game after productive talks with Slot. The 33-year-old came off the bench to assist Hugo Ekitike’s second goal in a 2-0 win, setting a new Premier League record for most goal contributions at a single club. However, the Brighton match was always going to be his final appearance for the year due to Africa Cup of Nations duty.
Salah was omitted from Egypt’s matchday squad for their friendly against Nigeria on Tuesday after joining up with his international teammates. Consequently, he hasn’t started a match for club or country in his last six games. Egypt begin their Africa Cup of Nations campaign on Monday against Zimbabwe, followed by South Africa on Boxing Day and Angola on December 29.
Salah will miss Liverpool’s games against Tottenham and Wolves and will likely miss the Leeds match on New Year’s Day, even if Egypt exit at the group stage. Should Egypt advance to the final on January 18, Salah could be absent for up to five more club games, including fixtures against Fulham, Arsenal, Barnsley, Burnley, and the Champions League clash with Marseille.
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