Liverpool manager Arne Slot has provided clarity on two major talking points surrounding star forward Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian king’s departure date for the Africa Cup of Nations has been set, confirming a crucial period of absence for the Reds. Simultaneously, Slot has addressed Salah’s reaction to being benched for a recent match, admitting the prolific goalscorer was “not happy” with the decision.

This news presents a dual challenge for the reigning Premier League champions. They must prepare for life without their talisman while also managing the competitive spirit of a player central to their success.

Salah’s AFCON Departure Date Set

Liverpool will have Mohamed Salah available for one last crucial match before he joins the Egyptian national team. Manager Arne Slot confirmed Salah is scheduled to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on or before December 15, 2025.

This timeline means Salah can participate in Liverpool’s Premier League clash against Brighton on December 13. Following that game, he will report for international duty. The AFCON tournament takes place in Morocco this year, running from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. Consequently, Liverpool must navigate a packed festive and New Year schedule without their top attacker.

A Rare Sight: Salah on the Bench

Beyond his upcoming international duties, Salah’s role within the squad has also been in the spotlight. The forward was an unused substitute in Liverpool’s recent victory over West Ham, a rare occurrence for a player of his stature.

Slot Admits Forward “Not Happy”

Arne Slot was candid when asked about Salah’s feelings. He acknowledged that the player was understandably disappointed. Of course, a player isn’t happy if he is not playing,” Slot stated, calling it a “normal reaction.” The manager, who impressively led Liverpool to the 2024-2025 league title in his debut season, attributed the decision to a demanding schedule, with the team facing four matches in just ten days.

Despite the frustration, Slot was quick to praise Salah’s conduct. He highlighted the forward’s professionalism and supportive behaviour towards his teammates, noting, “he will always be a top professional – and that’s what he was in the last two days.” This demonstrates a healthy, albeit competitive, dynamic within the Anfield dressing room.

Managing Liverpool’s Key Man

The decision to rest Salah underscores the challenge of managing a world-class squad through a congested fixture list. To maintain high performance levels across all competitions, squad rotation becomes essential, even for star players like Salah.

Key factors in managing Salah’s game time include:

• Fixture Congestion: Preventing burnout during intense periods.
• Long-Term Fitness: Ensuring he remains fit for the entire season.
• Tactical Flexibility: Allowing other forwards opportunities to contribute.

Ultimately, Slot’s handling of the situation shows a balance between player expectations and the team’s collective needs. Salah’s immense contribution is undeniable.

Liverpool’s Challenge Ahead

In conclusion, Liverpool faces a defining period. The confirmation of Mohamed Salah’s AFCON departure date gives the club a clear timeline to plan for his absence. While no team would want to lose a player of his calibre, Slot’s management of the recent benching situation shows a commitment to the team’s long-term health over individual sentiment.

The upcoming weeks will test the depth and resilience of the champions. How they adapt without Salah will be crucial to their title defence and aspirations in other competitions. Fans will be watching closely as the team navigates this next chapter.