Liverpool and the Egyptian FA are set for another disagreement over Mohamed Salah’s release for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
According to a Daily Mail report via Sports Illustrated, Liverpool FC is reportedly preparing for a new confrontation with Egyptian football officials concerning the early release of star forward Mohamed Salah ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The tournament begins on December 21, and while Liverpool accepts they will lose Salah for the crucial festive period, the primary conflict revolves around Egypt’s pre-tournament preparations.
A training camp for the Pharaohs is expected to commence on December 8, followed by a friendly against Nigeria six days later. Egypt’s management will likely insist on Salah joining the squad as early as possible.
However, the 33-year-old winger is understood to be eager to delay his arrival at the training camp to feature in as many Liverpool fixtures as possible.
Specifically, Salah hopes to remain with Arne Slot’s side for their challenging Champions League away trip to Inter Milan on December 9 and the Premier League fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion shortly thereafter.
This situation echoes a similar dispute between the club and country two years ago. An agreement must now be reached for Salah’s release.
The forward is reportedly expected to hold formal talks with Egypt manager Hossam Hassan during the current international break to appeal his case.
Should Salah succeed in securing a delayed release, he could still miss up to eight matches for Liverpool, including a trip to Tottenham Hotspur on December 20 and a critical league game against Arsenal in January, unless Egypt suffers an early elimination. The AFCON runs until January 18.