Mohamed Salah is set to temporarily put aside the escalating tension at Liverpool as he prepares to join the Egypt national team for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco later this month.
Heading to AFCON amid club unrest
The 33-year-old winger, who has been at the centre of a media storm after openly criticising Liverpool’s handling of his role this season, will depart for Egypt soon after Liverpool’s match against Brighton & Hove Albion. He will miss at least two Premier League games — against Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers — while on duty at the continental tournament.
Salah’s decision to focus on international duty comes after a tense period at Anfield. The forward publicly stated his frustration at being regularly benched and suggested he had been made a scapegoat for Liverpool’s poor form this season, placing strain on his relationship with manager Arne Slot. He was an unused substitute in recent league matches and omitted entirely from Liverpool’s Champions League squad against Inter Milan.
AFCON campaign and expectations
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan included Salah in the 28-man squad for the tournament, which kicks off on December 21. The Pharaohs, seven-time Africa Cup champions, begin their campaign against Zimbabwe, before facing South Africa and Angola in the group stage. As captain and experienced leader of the squad, Salah’s presence is expected to be vital for Egypt’s hopes of continental success.
A brief club break, a national focus
FIFA’s rules allow players to join their national teams only a week before the tournament begins, meaning Salah will be available for the Brighton game before linking up with Egypt’s camp. That window gives him a final chance to represent Liverpool amidst uncertainty over his club future before concentrating fully on the Africa Cup.
For Salah, a player already lauded as one of the greatest in Egypt’s history, success at AFCON would add an important milestone to his international legacy. The tournament also offers a chance to step away — however temporarily — from the ongoing saga at Liverpool and to channel his focus into leading his country on one of African football’s biggest stages.
Summary: Salah will exit a tense club situation at Liverpool to join Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations, potentially missing key Premier League games — but offering him a chance to reset and lead his nation’s title bid.
