Salah decision made by Egypt ahead of AFCON start | OneFootball

Mohamed Salah left out as Egypt manage AFCON build-up amid Liverpool uncertainty

Mohamed Salah’s omission from Egypt’s matchday squad for their friendly against Nigeria has been framed as a practical decision rather than a disciplinary or political one, but it arrives at a time when scrutiny around the forward has rarely been more intense. The Liverpool attacker only linked up with his international team-mates following the Reds’ recent victory over Brighton & Hove Albion and, having missed training earlier in the week, was not considered ready to feature.

While the absence itself is straightforward, it extends a notable run for Salah, who has now not started a match for either club or country in six consecutive games. With the Africa Cup of Nations fast approaching, Egypt’s priority is ensuring their captain arrives at the tournament fresh rather than overworked.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool selection questions intensify

Salah’s recent role at Liverpool has fuelled significant debate. Once a guaranteed starter, the 33-year-old has found himself increasingly on the fringes under Arne Slot. His last start came in the heavy defeat to PSV Eindhoven at the end of November, after which he was benched for league fixtures against West Ham United, Sunderland and Leeds United.

He was introduced at half-time against Sunderland but remained unused in the other two matches, a sequence that culminated in visible frustration following the late draw with Leeds. Salah stopped to speak after that match and aired his dissatisfaction, suggesting his relationship with Slot had broken down and hinting that his appearance against Brighton could prove to be his final one for the club.

Those comments led to his exclusion from Liverpool’s travelling party for the Champions League trip to Inter Milan. However, talks later in the week helped ease tensions, and Salah was recalled to the squad for the Brighton fixture.

Despite again starting on the bench, his influence was immediate when introduced midway through the first half. He set up Hugo Ekitike for Liverpool’s second goal in a 2-0 win and, in doing so, broke the record for the most goal contributions for a single club in Premier League history.

AFCON preparations take priority

Regardless of the club situation, Salah’s involvement against Brighton was always expected to be his final Liverpool appearance of the year. The Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco has been fixed in the calendar, with Egypt building their campaign around their captain.

After joining the national camp late and missing a training session, Salah was never likely to be involved in the friendly against Nigeria. Egypt’s staff opted for caution, preferring to keep him fresh for competitive action rather than risk him in a warm-up match.

From Egypt’s perspective, the focus is firmly on the tournament opener against Zimbabwe, followed by a Boxing Day clash with South Africa and a final group game against Angola on December 29. Salah is expected to return straight to the starting XI when the competition begins, bringing an end to his recent run of absences.

Liverpool fixtures affected by AFCON spell

Salah’s AFCON involvement will have a tangible impact on Liverpool’s schedule. He is set to miss Premier League matches against Tottenham Hotspur and Wolves, and even an early exit for Egypt would likely rule him out of the New Year’s Day clash with Leeds United.

Should Egypt progress deep into the tournament, the list of missed fixtures grows. With the final scheduled for January 18, Salah could also be absent for trips to Fulham and Arsenal, as well as home games against Barnsley and Burnley. Liverpool’s penultimate Champions League league-phase fixture away at Marseille on January 21 would also fall into that window.

For now, Egypt remain confident their captain will be central to their AFCON ambitions, while Liverpool must adapt without one of their most influential figures. How Salah performs in Morocco may yet shape the narrative when he returns to Merseyside, but his omission from a friendly is best viewed as part of a wider plan rather than a fresh flashpoint.