Mohamed Salah could soon be at the heart of a growing conflict between Liverpool and the Egyptian national team ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The 33-year-old forward is expected to miss several key fixtures over the festive period as he joins Egypt for the tournament, scheduled from December 21 to January 18 in Morocco.
Given Egypt’s strong chances of reaching the latter stages, Salah’s absence from Anfield could extend deep into the new year.
Reports from Egypt suggest that head coach Hossam Hassan plans to call his squad for a pre-tournament training camp two weeks before AFCON begins — a move that would see Salah miss even more matches for Liverpool.
However, the player reportedly wants to remain with his club as long as possible before joining his national team.
According to *Mail Sport’s* Lewis Steele, Salah will hold talks with Hassan next week to find a compromise. Under FIFA rules, Egypt can officially summon him 14 days before the tournament starts, which could force him to miss Liverpool’s Champions League clash against Inter Milan on December 9 and their Premier League game against Brighton on December 13.
Salah is eager to feature in those games before departing, especially since Liverpool’s early Carabao Cup exit has left them with a lighter schedule.
If things go Liverpool’s way — and Egypt exit AFCON early — Salah could return in time for the New Year’s Day fixture against Leeds. But if Egypt reach the semi-finals or final, he could miss up to eight matches, including crucial trips to Tottenham and Arsenal.
This would mark the third time Salah has left mid-season for AFCON. His previous campaign in 2023 ended in frustration after an injury cut short his involvement, affecting both his form and Liverpool’s momentum.
Determined to stay on Merseyside for as long as possible, Salah hopes Egypt’s coaching staff will show flexibility — allowing him to maintain rhythm, fitness, and focus for what promises to be a demanding stage of the season.
