Liverpool learn Mohamed Salah return date as Egypt ace suffers AFCON heartbreak | Football | Sport

Sadio Mane has ousted Mohamed Salah from the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal defeating Egypt by a single goal in the semi-finals. The ex-Liverpool winger netted a superb winner with just 12 minutes left, propelling his country into the final and knocking Egypt out of the competition. Mane and Salah shared a hug just before the match started, but their focus quickly returned to the game, leading to a sideline clash.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been without Salah for several weeks and despite Egypt’s elimination, they will remain in Morocco until the weekend due to a third-place play-off against either Morocco or Nigeria.

This means that Salah will miss this weekend’s match against Burnley and is likely to be unavailable for the Champions League encounter with Marseille on Wednesday, January 21.

He is expected to return for the away match at Bournemouth that weekend or the following midweek European game against Qarabag.

Salah has had a difficult season so far, with his goal tally dwindling, leading to him being benched by Slot for several matches.

A fiery outburst in the mixed zone after the game against Leeds United at Elland Road raised serious questions about his future, both immediately and in the long term.

Salah was left out of the squad that triumphed over AC Milan in the Champions League, but was named as a substitute for the Brighton match at Anfield.

An early injury during that game saw Salah brought on in the first half, and he managed to provide an assist before leaving for the tournament.

Despite Salah’s absence, Liverpool have maintained their unbeaten run, although they have drawn three times against Arsenal, Leeds United and Wolves.

Salah is set to return to Merseyside later this month with the Liverpool squad facing a very different situation, largely due to injuries.