Mohamed Salah announcement made as Liverpool await FIFA decision | Football | Sport
Liverpool will be without their star player, Mohamed Salah, for several key matches due to his inclusion in Egypt’s squad for the Africa Cup Of Nations. The tournament runs from December 21 to January 18, clashing with Liverpool‘s games against Wolves, Leeds United, Fulham, Arsenal and Burnley, should Egypt reach the final. Salah may have to leave Merseyside even earlier than expected, as Egypt’s training camp begins on Wednesday, followed by a closed camp from Sunday.
Egypt also have a friendly match against Nigeria on December 14, before heading to Morocco for final preparations three days later. However, it’s not mandatory for Liverpool to release Salah at this point. It’s reported that Liverpool are hoping to keep the 33-year-old for their match against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday, 13 December.
The reigning Premier League champions are currently awaiting FIFA’s final decision on when players must be released for the tournament.
The governing body is expected to require player release two weeks before the tournament, which would be this Sunday.
If that is the case, Salah would miss Liverpool’s games against Inter Milan and Brighton.
His last game for the club would likely be against Leeds United at Elland Road this Saturday.
Salah is set to miss Liverpool’s festive fixtures against Spurs, Wolves and Leeds. His return will depend on how far Egypt progress in the tournament.
Despite his stellar performance last season, Salah has had a less impressive 2025/26 campaign, scoring only five goals and providing three assists across all competitions.
The Reds, who are currently struggling with form in the Premier League, are sitting in eighth place in the league table, having won just two of their last five matches.
However, manager Arne Slot will be hoping that their recent victory over West Ham signals a turnaround for the team.
Salah was an unused substitute for that fixture and Slot explained his decision after the final whistle, saying: “Four games in 10 days with only 14-15 outfield players available for us.
“Then you have to decide once in a while to make a certain line-up and you try to pick the best line-up for every single game.
“Today, with the way West Ham set-up with a full-back that is constantly high and a winger who is constantly inside, I thought that this could help the team.
“But Mo has been so important for this club and will be important for this club in the future.”
