Slot confirms Liverpool’s plans for AFCON departures

Salah’s AFCON Plans Clarified After FIFA Confirm Release Date

Liverpool have finally been handed clarity over Mohamed Salah’s Africa Cup of Nations departure, with FIFA confirming that players cannot be released before 15 December. It means the forward will be available for the Premier League clash against Brighton on 13 December before joining Egypt the following day.

The confirmation ends speculation over an earlier release and gives Arne Slot a firmer foundation on which to prepare for a challenging winter schedule. AFCON has historically disrupted campaigns for teams reliant on major international stars, and Liverpool will be no exception as they navigate the coming weeks without their captain.

Photo: IMAGO

Salah’s AFCON Schedule and Key Dates

Salah’s itinerary provides Liverpool with one final opportunity to use him domestically before his departure to Morocco:

• 13 December: Liverpool vs Brighton

• 14 December: Joins Egypt squad

• 22 December: Egypt vs Zimbabwe

• 26 December: Egypt vs South Africa

• 29 December: Angola vs Egypt

• 3–5 January: Round of 16

• 9–10 January: Quarter-finals

• 14 January: Semi-finals

• 17 January: Third-place playoff

• 18 January: Final

• 21 January: Marseille vs Liverpool

This timeline underlines the significant stretch of matches Liverpool could face without their most influential forward, particularly if Egypt progress deep into the competition. Slot has already begun reshaping his forward line in anticipation of Salah’s absence.

Slot’s Tactical Preparations Ahead of AFCON

In the 2–0 win away at West Ham, Slot experimented with Dominik Szoboszlai on the right flank — a role usually occupied by Salah. The shift was widely viewed as a rehearsal for the weeks ahead and provided a useful insight into how Liverpool might adapt their attacking structure.

Slot explained that communication between club, player and national team is always central to planning. “There are always talks about what works for everyone,” he noted, underlining Liverpool’s desire for continued cooperation with Egypt’s staff.

While Liverpool expect regular dialogue, they understand that final decisions around Salah’s involvement will rest with the Egyptian national team once he arrives in camp.

Salah’s Reaction to Recent Rotation

Salah’s place on the bench against West Ham sparked considerable debate, particularly given the proximity to his AFCON departure. However, Slot quickly dismissed any suggestion of dissatisfaction.

He described Salah’s response as exemplary, highlighting both his professionalism and long-standing commitment to the squad. The forward was supportive on the bench and fully engaged in training the next day.

Slot acknowledged that no elite player welcomes being left out, but emphasised that Salah’s maturity and discipline remain central to his routine — key attributes that have helped him maintain remarkable consistency over several seasons.

Outlook for Liverpool During AFCON

Liverpool will continue preparing for Salah’s absence across December, with further tactical adjustments expected. The club’s planning will be shaped heavily by Egypt’s progress, as a deep run to the final could extend Salah’s absence by more than a month.

For now, the clarity provided by FIFA gives Slot a well-defined window to organise his squad and manage the transition ahead of a demanding fixture list.