Liverpool fans can breathe a sigh of relief—Mohamed Salah will still be at Anfield next season after extending his stay with a fresh two-year deal in April. His incredible 29-goal haul in the 2024/25 Premier League season played a massive part in Liverpool’s title-winning campaign. But as the Reds prepare for another exciting season, one big challenge looms on the horizon…

🔴 Salah Will Be Away for AFCON Duty

The Africa Cup of Nations returns in December 2025, and this time, it kicks off earlier than usual—just before Christmas. Salah, Egypt’s talisman and national captain, will be representing his country in the tournament, meaning Liverpool will be without their star man during a crucial part of the season.

📅 AFCON 2025 Fixtures for Egypt

Dec 22: Egypt vs Zimbabwe

Dec 26 (Boxing Day): Egypt vs South Africa

Dec 29: Egypt vs Angola


If Egypt advances past the group stage—which seems likely given their high ranking—their knockout fixtures could stretch deep into January:

Round of 16: Jan 3–5

Quarter-finals: Jan 9–10

Semi-finals: Jan 14

Final/3rd Place: Jan 18


🟥 Liverpool Matches Salah Will Miss

Due to Egypt’s early preparations and potential deep run in the competition, Salah is set to miss several matches for the Reds:

✅ Guaranteed Absences:

Tottenham (A)

Wolves (H)

Leeds (H)


❓ Potential Additional Absences (If Egypt Go Far):

Fulham (A)

Arsenal (A)

Burnley (H) (if Egypt reach the final stages)


📌 Salah could return for Liverpool’s trip to Bournemouth in late January.

While Liverpool’s fixture list during this period isn’t the worst imaginable, the clash against Arsenal could prove to be a critical one in the title race. With Salah missing, the pressure will be on the rest of Arne Slot’s squad to step up and keep the momentum going.