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Mohamed Salah Won’t Return Immediately to Liverpool After Egypt’s AFCON Exit
Egypt are out, but the return won’t be immediate. Mohamed Salah still has one final commitment left… and it affects Liverpool’s plans.
Painful Elimination Against Senegal
Egypt’s AFCON journey came to an end in the semifinals, and in the most painful way possible. Senegal, led by Sadio Mané, knocked the Pharaohs out with a late goal in Morocco, booking their place in the final and once again denying Mohamed Salah his long-awaited continental title.
It was a tight, tense match with little margin for error. Salah, who had been decisive in earlier rounds with four goals, was well contained by Senegal’s defense and unable to influence the outcome in a game decided by fine details.
Liverpool Will Have to Wait
Despite Egypt’s elimination, Salah will not return to Liverpool immediately. The reason is straightforward: Egypt must still play the AFCON third-place playoff, where they will face Nigeria.
While this match carries limited competitive appeal, it remains an official fixture. There is a chance that Salah could be released early by the Egyptian federation, but the most likely scenario is that he stays with the national team until his AFCON participation is fully completed.
When Could Salah Be Back at Anfield?
This situation complicates Liverpool’s short-term plans. Salah is expected to miss the Premier League match against Burnley, and his availability for the Champions League clash with Marseille also looks doubtful given travel and recovery demands.
Everything points to his return coming in the league match against Bournemouth, once Egypt’s AFCON campaign is officially over. Liverpool are aware of the circumstances and have no intention of rushing him back.
A Future That Sparks Debate Again
Egypt’s elimination and Salah’s return to England also bring renewed focus on his future at Liverpool. Before leaving for AFCON, the Egyptian forward publicly criticized head coach Arne Slot, claiming he had been “thrown under the bus” during a difficult spell for the team.
With the transfer window open and continued interest from Saudi Arabia, Salah’s comeback will not only mark the end of his African campaign, but also the beginning of a crucial period that could shape his next chapter.
