Liverpool facing extended Mo Salah absence after Egypt release statement
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Mo Salah will lead Egypt at the 2025-26 Africa Cup of Nations and new developments mean that Liverpool could be without their star for even longer than it was first anticipated12:16, 17 Nov 2025Updated 12:18, 17 Nov 2025Liverpool could be without Mo Salah sooner than anticipated ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, as Egypt want him to be involved in a pre-tournament friendly. Salah, 33, will captain his country in Morocco, with the tournament getting underway on December 21.But Egypt are keen to have Salah available for in a friendly with Nigeria a week before the action starts.
If Egypt suffered a shock exit at the group stage, Salah could be available for the Reds' clash with Leeds at Anfield on New Year's Day, although a more realistic return date is thought to be their trip to Fulham three days later.According to the ECHO, Discussions between Liverpool and and the Egyptian FA are going, as Arne Slot's side prepare for another AFCON period without Salah. The 33-year-old is being rested.READ MORE: French media slam Hugo Ekitike performance as Liverpool duo come under fireREAD MORE: Ex-Premier League star in shocking X-rated blast at Liverpool ace off-camera during TV coverageA statement read: "The Egyptian national football team, led by Hossam Hassan, held its training session in Al Ain in preparation for a friendly match against Cape Verde at 6pm on Monday - Cairo time - at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, UAE."The absence of the duo Ahmed Sayed Zizo and Hamdi Fathi from the Cape Verde match due to injury was also confirmed, and Salah Mohsen underwent recovery training, in addition to giving Mohamed Salah a rest, and his non-participation in the Cape Verde friendly.How will Liverpool fare without Mo Salah?
The ex-Roma star has only scored two goals in his last 10 Liverpool games, raising question marks over his place in their starting XI.Former Reds midfielder Don Hutchison said via Goal: "Every team in the Premier League would love [Florian] Wirtz, [Alexander] Isak and Salah. Now Slot's job is trying to come up with a formula to get all those three into the same 11, with [Hugo] Ekitike, because you can't spend all that money on Wirtz, Isak and Ekitike and tell them to fight for their place in the side."Hutchinson added: "So the uncomfortable conversation is around why and how you don't get Mo Salah into that team anymore.