Concerns over Mohamed Salah's Egypt bowing out early at the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations have been heightened, following a supercomputer's prediction of a surprising early departure.
Salah has joined his national team ahead of Egypt's first match against Zimbabwe next week, with the tournament concluding with the final on January 18. However, a startling new projection from experts suggests he could be back in Liverpool colours for their clash with Arsenal on January 8.
This is based on the supercomputer's forecast, which predicts a shock defeat for Egypt at the hands of Comoros in the last-16. At one point, it seemed that the Reds' superstar might not return to Merseyside from the tournament being held in Morocco
At one point, it seemed that the Reds' superstar might not return to Merseyside from the tournament being held in Morocco. The 33 year old voiced his discontent with the club and Arne Slot in an unexpected post-match interview after failing to make it off the bench against Leeds.
As a result, Salah was absent from Liverpool's next matchday squad against Inter but quickly made a comeback and was brought on during the victory over Brighton.
Liverpool's third highest goalscorer will miss several matches over the festive period as the Merseyside outfit face Tottenham and Wolves to round off December. Meanwhile, Salah will be preparing for matches against Zimbabwe, Angola and South Africa.
However, according to BookmakersCameroun. com's supercomputer, Salah's stint in Morocco may not last much longer. They predict a 1-0 upset by underdogs Comoros, leading to Egypt's exit.
The last 16 matches are scheduled to take place between Saturday 3 January and Tuesday 6 January 2026. Liverpool are set to face Arsenal in the Premier League on 8 January.
Arne Slot and Mohamed Salah
Liverpool will not have Mohamed Salah available until January (Image: Richard Martin-Roberts - CameraSport via Getty Images)
The journey to north London will likely be too soon for Salah to make a return, leaving Slot with a decision to make. If they exit at the first knockout stage, Salah could potentially be back in time for the FA Cup match against Barnsley on 12 January.
Salah was notably absent from Egypt's warm-up game against Nigeria. The Pharaohs' skipper was not included in the squad as Egypt secured a 2-1 victory, having only arrived in the early hours of Tuesday morning alongside Manchester City star Omar Marmoush.
Meanwhile, the supercomputer predicts that the tournament hosts will triumph. Morocco are forecasted to beat Senegal 1-0 in the final.
Senegal are expected to secure their runners-up spot after defeating defending champions Ivory Coast with a solid 3-0 win at the semi-final stage. Morocco's encounter with Uganda is predicted to be a closer affair, ending in a 1-0 victory.
The third-place match between Uganda and Ivory Coast is anticipated to go to penalties, with the Cranes coming out on top.