Liverpool and Egypt may be heading for a potential AFCON clash as Mohamed Salah’s stance becomes clear.

Mohamed Salah could soon be caught in a tug-of-war between Liverpool and Egypt ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The 33-year-old forward is expected to miss several of Liverpool’s festive fixtures as he joins his national team for the tournament, scheduled from 21 December to 18 January in Morocco. Egypt are among the favourites to reach the latter stages, which could extend Salah’s absence well into the new year.

Reports from Egypt suggest that head coach Hossam Hassan plans to summon his players for a training camp two weeks before the competition begins — a move that could see Salah miss even more matches for the Reds. However, the winger is believed to prefer staying with Liverpool for as long as possible before joining the national team.

According to Lewis Steele (Mail Sport), Salah will hold talks with Hassan next week to find an arrangement that works for both sides. Under current rules, Egypt are entitled to call him up a fortnight before AFCON starts, potentially ruling him out of Liverpool’s Champions League clash at Inter Milan (9 December) and a Premier League game against Brighton (13 December).

Salah’s preference is reportedly to remain available for those fixtures before flying out to join Egypt, especially since Liverpool’s early Carabao Cup exit leaves them with a lighter schedule around that time.

In the best-case scenario, he’d miss minimal club action if Egypt exit early, possibly returning in time for Liverpool’s New Year’s Day match against Leeds. But if the Pharaohs reach the semi-finals or final, he could be absent for up to eight games, including key trips to Tottenham and Arsenal.

This would mark the third time Salah has departed mid-season for AFCON. His previous campaign in 2023 ended in frustration after an injury forced him to return early, disrupting his form and Liverpool’s title chase.

With Salah eager to stay in Merseyside for as long as possible, Liverpool manager Arne Slot will be hoping for understanding from Egypt’s camp — and that both sides can agree on a compromise that keeps their star forward fit and focused.