Club vs Country: Salah’s Egypt Duty Poses Big Test for Liverpool in 2025
Liverpool may face major challenge in 2025 as star forward Mohamed Salah's expected to miss up to 10 matches due to his international commitments with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations AFCON, now scheduled for 21 Dec 2024 to 18 Jan 2025 in Morocco.
The change in schedule follows FIFA’s decision to hold the expanded 2025 Club World Cup in the United States during Jun & Jul, forcing CAF to shift AFCON back to the winter window.
Salah’s Potential Absence Timeline
- AFCON 2025: 21 December 2024 – 18 Jan 2025
- AFCON Final: January 18 in Rabat
Egypt Group B Matches:
- 22 Dec vs Zimbabwe
- 27 Dec vs South Africa
- 2 Jan vs Angola
Should Egypt progress deep into the tournament as expected Salah could miss:
- Premier League fixtures
- FA Cup & Carabao Cup matches
- UEFA Champions League group stage (late January rounds)
According to Liverpool Echo, the total number of potential absences could reach 10 matches, depending on how far egypt advances and how the english football calendar's finalized.
Risk of Injury Return Like in 2023
Salah’s last AFCON outing ended in frustration and injury as he sustained muscle issue that kept him sidelined for weeks after returning to Liverpool raising concerns about the risk of repeat ahead of another packed schedule.
Club Commitment vs Country Pride
While Liverpool are reportedly pleased with Salah’s expected contract renewal, this looming absence highlights the balancing act the club'll face in managing squad depth during vital part of the season.
The 2025 Club World Cup for which Liverpool have qualified, only adds another layer of congestion in what promises to be historically demanding campaign.
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