Salah’s absence impact: Liverpool prepare for three Premier League games without the star
Egyptian star’s participation in AFCON poses major mid-season challenge for the Reds
Liverpool face a crucial test in the upcoming 2025/26 season, with Mohamed Salah expected to miss up to eight matches due to his national team commitments at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
AFCON 2025 Set to Disrupt Liverpool’s Season
The 2025 AFCON, hosted in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, coincides with a demanding stretch of Liverpool’s campaign. As Egypt’s star player, Salah is all but certain to be called up, forcing him to miss several key fixtures.
At a minimum, Salah will miss three Premier League matches:
- Tottenham (away)
- Wolverhampton (home)
- Leeds United (home)
If Egypt advances to the later stages, Salah’s absence could extend to three more league matches:
- Fulham (away)
- Arsenal (away) — a potential title-decider
- Burnley (home)
FA Cup and Champions League Impacts
The FA Cup third round is scheduled for January 10–11, 2026, during the peak of AFCON. Furthermore, Champions League knockout rounds are expected to begin around January 20–21, meaning Salah’s return may come too late for these critical fixtures.
In total, Liverpool may have to navigate up to eight matches without their top scorer a significant blow during one of the busiest parts of the season.
Liverpool’s Reinforcements for Salah’s Absence
To offset Salah’s absence, Liverpool have strengthened their squad in the transfer market. Key signings include:
- Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike for attacking reinforcement
- Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, who could offer depth on the wings or advanced roles
The club also hopes that Cody Gakpo, Luis Díaz, and Darwin Núñez can step up in Salah’s absence, bringing both firepower and versatility to the frontline.
Title Aspirations at Stake
Liverpool’s hopes of reclaiming the Premier League title and advancing deep into European competitions will depend heavily on how well the squad copes without Salah. The club’s ability to manage this period may define their season.
