Liverpool now have a rough idea when Mohamed Salah will return from this month's Africa Cup of Nations after Egypt's latest victory in that competition.
Mohamed Salah in action for Egypt.
Mohamed Salah won't return to Liverpool for at least another week. (Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
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Liverpool now have a rough idea when Mohamed Salah will return from this month's Africa Cup of Nations - after Egypt beat Ivory Coast 3-2 on Saturday evening. Salah was once again on the score-sheet for the Pharaohs to seal a date with Sadio Mane's Senegal in the semi-final.
Manchester City's Omar Marmoush put Egypt ahead, before Rami Rabia doubled their lead from a Salah assist.
After Ivory Coast halved their deficit on the brink of half-time, Salah then converted from close range in the 52nd minute to retain their two-goal lead. Guela Doue pulled another back, but Hossam Hassan's men held on to qualify for the last-four.
The semi-final is due to take place on Wednesday afternoon (5pm UK time), with Salah hoping to help Egypt reach the final. Should they lose to Senegal, they will stay in Morocco for a third-place play-off, which is due to take place on Saturday, January 17.
A semi-final win will see Egypt compete for the trophy on Sunday, January 18, meaning that Salah is subsequently guaranteed to miss the Premier League clash against Burnley next weekend.
No matter what happens against Senegal, Salah WILL be in contention to return to Liverpool for the Champions League trip to Marseille. Arne Slot's men travel to France on Wednesday, January 21, and it is the first fixture after AFCON.
Mohamed Salah celebrates a goal.
Mohamed Salah and Egypt are through to the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final. (Image: AP)
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However, should Egypt win, celebrations in the country could make the game in France too soon for Salah to return. If that is the case, the trip to Bournemouth on Saturday, January 24 ought to be Salah's first game back.
Liverpool will welcome the return of Salah after a run of three straight draws. After beating Tottenham and Wolves without the forward, the Reds have failed to win in their last three games.
A 0-0 draw at home to Leeds was followed by a frustrating 2-2 draw at Fulham courtesy of Harrison Reed's brilliant strike in injury-time. Liverpool then drew 0-0 away at Arsenal, but injuries to Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike meant Slot's attacking options were somewhat limited.
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