What Could Mohamed Salah’s Absence Mean for Liverpool’s Season?
Mohamed Salah has signed a new contract with Liverpool, committing his future to the club until 2027. However, the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) could see him miss up to 10 crucial matches in the 2025/26 season, raising questions about Liverpool's strategies moving forward.
The AFCON has been scheduled for December 21, 2025, through January 18, 2026, which clashes with the busy festive period in the Premier League. The timing means that if Egypt progresses to the final, Salah could miss several Premier League matches, as well as key domestic cup fixtures and Champions League ties.
With Salah having established himself as a pivotal player, leading both the Golden Boot and Playmaker charts in the current campaign with an impressive tally of 27 goals and 18 assists, his absence could be felt deeply. His capacity to influence matches leaves Liverpool with a significant void to fill.
The issue becomes even more pressing in light of Salah’s increasing age and the likelihood that he may need managing more carefully to preserve his effectiveness. Likewise, head coach Arne Slot must consider how to adapt Liverpool's tactics in his absence.
Last season, Salah's presence meant that players like Federico Chiesa and Harvey Elliott had limited opportunities to shine. Now, Slot must decide whether to rely more on these alternate players or explore potential signings this summer to soften the blow of Salah’s enforced absence.
While Liverpool been successful in securing Salah's long-term commitment, the timing of the AFCON throws a significant wrench into their plans. Several options could provide cover, including possibly giving more game time to younger stars like Ben Doak, who excelled on loan, or utilising existing squad members more effectively.
Liverpool's recruitment staff faces a challenging task ahead: how to prepare for what could be a disruptive period in their campaign. Will they actively pursue a forward to alleviate the pressure on Salah, or will they trust in their current squad to bear the burden?
As the speculation ramps up, questions remain: How will Liverpool bolster their lineup, and will they manage to find a reliable successor or complement to Salah before a crucial phase of the season? As fans, we await to see how the Reds navigate this potential scenario.
What are your thoughts on Salah's future at Liverpool and the impact of the upcoming AFCON? Share your views below.
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