Liverpool Handed Mohamed Salah AFCON Return Update as Arne Slot January Plan Clear

Liverpool FC has received a major boost regarding Mohamed Salah's participation in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Egypt's national team coach, Rui Vitoria, has confirmed that Salah will join the Pharaohs for the tournament in Morocco, but with a structured plan to minimize disruption to Liverpool's campaign.

The 32-year-old forward, Liverpool's talisman and the Premier League's top scorer this season with 15 goals, is set to link up with Egypt after the January 4-5 club fixture window. Vitoria outlined a clear timeline: Salah will miss Liverpool's matches up to January 4, including crucial Premier League clashes against Bournemouth, Newcastle, and Nottingham Forest. He will then travel to Egypt's training camp, participating in friendlies against Tanzania (January 8) and Niger (January 11).

Crucially, Vitoria emphasized Salah's return to Liverpool by January 18, ahead of their Premier League game against Chelsea. This means Salah could miss up to five Liverpool games but would be back for the second half of a congested January schedule, including AFCON's early group stages. Egypt's Group A fixtures begin January 21 against Mozambique, followed by Burkina Faso (January 25) and an unspecified third opponent.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has long anticipated this scenario, praising Salah's professionalism. Slot's January plan is now crystal clear: rely on squad depth with Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, and Cody Gakpo leading the line during Salah's absence. Club sources indicate contingency plans include potential loan recalls for young forwards like Jayden Danns.

Salah, who led Egypt to AFCON glory in 2017 but endured final heartbreak in 2021, remains pivotal. Vitoria hailed him as "irreplaceable," while Liverpool fans breathe a sigh of relief at the minimized absence. This update allows Slot to fine-tune preparations, balancing title aspirations with international commitments amid a packed festive period.

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