Liverpool confirm date Mohamed Salah will leave for AFCON | OneFootball

Egyptian king will miss crunch pre-tournament friendly

Rumours had circulated that the Reds’ talisman could leave Merseyside early after Egypt booked a pre-tournament friendly against Nigeria for December 14, the day after Liverpool host Brighton at Anfield in the Premier League.

The Dutchman confirmed that Liverpool made the decision in conjunction with the Egyptian FA.

“The way we have worked is that there's a communication between all three - the player, the club and country,” he explained.

Salah has fallen out of favour under Slot this season and has come in for criticism after his lacklustre performances came to be associated with Liverpool’s dismal form.

He has tallied five goals and three assists in 17 appearances so far this campaign, and was left on the bench for Sunday’s defeat of West Ham.

Asked whether Salah was unhappy with being benched, Slot said: “Fair assumption and normal reaction for someone who can play for us.

“Of course, a player isn't happy he isn't playing, he wasn't the only one I can tell you.

“The way he behaved was as you would expect from the professional he is, he was very supportive for his team-mates and handled himself really well.

“You can't play that well every three days if you go with your emotions, but Mo is so disciplined. He will always be that top professional as he was the last few days.”