Mohamed Salah is set to captain Egypt at the 2025-26 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco starting December 21, but new developments mean Liverpool could lose him earlier and for longer than first expected.
Egypt want Salah to feature in a pre-tournament friendly against Nigeria a week before the competition begins, likely ruling him out of Liverpool’s December 13 home game against Brighton as well as the festive fixtures.
The tournament runs until January 18, meaning Salah could miss up to seven Liverpool games depending on Egypt’s progress. If Egypt exit in the group stage, Salah could return for the New Year’s Day clash with Leeds or more realistically for the trip to Fulham three days later.
Discussions between Liverpool and the Egyptian FA remain positive, and Salah was rested for Egypt’s recent friendly against Cape Verde to manage his fitness.