Liverpool’s ambitions for the 2025-26 season have been thrown into disarray following a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray in their recent UEFA Champions League clash. The match offered a sobering glimpse into a future without their talismanic forward, Mohamed Salah, who was surprisingly benched by manager Arne Slot.
With Salah set to depart for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco starting December 21, 2025, Liverpool could face a nightmare scenario, potentially missing their star player for up to 10 crucial matches. This absence threatens to derail their Premier League title hopes and disrupt their campaigns across multiple competitions.
A Glimpse of Life Without Salah
The midweek loss to Galatasaray highlighted the challenges Liverpool may face without Salah. Slot’s decision to rest the Egyptian, alongside Alexander Isak, was a bold move, signaling his intent to rotate the squad and build depth for a grueling season. However, the experiment backfired, with Liverpool appearing disjointed and lacking their usual attacking flair.
The performance echoed a similar lackluster display against Crystal Palace, even with Salah on the pitch, raising concerns about the team’s reliance on their star forward.
Salah’s absence during AFCON could see him miss key Premier League fixtures, including home games against Wolves and Leeds, as well as challenging away matches against Tottenham, Fulham, and Arsenal. The clash at the Emirates, in particular, could prove pivotal in the context of the title race. Should Egypt advance deep into the tournament, Salah might also miss additional games against Burnley and Marseille, a potential Carabao Cup semi-final, and likely the FA Cup third round in early 2026. This extended absence poses a significant threat to Liverpool’s aspirations across all fronts.
Recognizing the need for greater squad depth after last season’s setbacks against PSG and Newcastle United, Slot bolstered his roster over the summer. New additions, including Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, were expected to provide the quality and versatility needed to cope with Salah’s absence. However, the Galatasaray match exposed some cracks in the plan. Jeremie Frimpong, who filled in on the right flank, failed to make a significant impact, while other options like Conor Bradley are still vying to secure a regular role at right-back.
Despite these early struggles, there is optimism that Liverpool can adapt. With two months until AFCON begins, Wirtz and Isak have time to acclimate to the demands of English football. If Frimpong or Bradley can solidify the right-back position, it could also allow Dominik Szoboszlai to push forward into a more attacking role, potentially compensating for Salah’s absence. Slot’s proactive approach to rotation suggests a long-term strategy to keep the squad fresh, but the Galatasaray performance underscores the need for further refinement.
The Long-Term Challenge
Beyond AFCON, Salah’s eventual departure looms large. With his contract set to expire in the next couple of seasons, Liverpool must begin preparing for a future without their star man. The Galatasaray match served as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead, as the team struggled to create scoring opportunities without Salah’s cutting edge. While the likes of Wirtz, Isak, and Szoboszlai offer hope, replacing a player of Salah’s caliber—both in terms of goals and leadership—will be no easy task.
Slot’s ability to navigate this transitional period will define his tenure at Liverpool. The manager’s willingness to experiment, as seen in Istanbul, shows a commitment to finding solutions, but the results must improve. The coming months will be critical for fine-tuning the squad’s dynamics and ensuring that Liverpool can remain competitive during Salah’s absence.
Liverpool’s defeat to Galatasaray was a wake-up call, exposing the vulnerabilities that could haunt the team during Mohamed Salah’s absence at AFCON. With up to 10 games potentially without their star forward, Arne Slot faces a daunting challenge to keep Liverpool’s title hopes alive. The summer signings of Wirtz and Isak, combined with emerging talents like Frimpong and Bradley, provide options, but the team must gel quickly to avoid further slip-ups. As the AFCON tournament approaches, Slot will need to draw on all his tactical acumen to prevent this nightmare scenario from plunging Liverpool’s season into chaos. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but with careful planning and execution, the Reds can emerge stronger.