Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that Mohammed Salah will only join Egypt’s camp for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on December 15, exactly six days before the tournament kicks off in Morocco.
Per FIFA rules, clubs can keep players until that date, and Liverpool will exercise the full allowance as they look to steady their season.
“Salah will go to AFCON on December 15th,” Slot said, stressing the club’s reliance on the Egyptian forward during their difficult start to the campaign.
The late release means the 33-year-old will miss Egypt’s full preparations for the competition, including any pre-tournament friendlies.
Egypt record seven-time AFCON champions are drawn in Group B with South Africa, Zimbabwe and Angola, opening their campaign against Zimbabwe on December 22.
Salah has endured a slow start to the 2025/26 season by his high standards, registering five goals and three assists in 18 matches, but remains crucial to Liverpool’s attack as they attempt to regain momentum before he departs for Morocco.
