How probable is it that Liverpool will bring Mohamed Salah back for Saturday following Egypt’s latest AFCON disappointment?

Another Africa Cup of Nations has passed without Mohamed Salah lifting the trophy with Egypt, after they were edged out 1–0 by Senegal in Wednesday’s semi-final.

The Liverpool forward has now featured in five AFCON tournaments without claiming continental success. He came closest in 2017 and 2022, when Egypt were defeated in the final by Cameroon and Senegal respectively. With Salah set to turn 34 in June, it is increasingly possible that one of Africa’s finest-ever players may finish his international career without an AFCON title, despite his immense club honours and outstanding individual accomplishments.

Salah and Egypt still have one fixture remaining at the tournament. They were undone by a late Sadio Mané strike in Tangier, but must now contest the third-place play-off against Nigeria on Saturday.

That match clashes with Liverpool’s Premier League meeting with Burnley at Anfield. However, despite the greater importance of the domestic fixture, Liverpool are not expected to recall Salah. According to Liverpool.com, the club are keen to show respect to Egypt’s remaining AFCON commitment, meaning the 33-year-old is likely to stay with the national team before returning to Merseyside.

Liverpool will also remember that Egypt rested Salah during a friendly against Cape Verde in November after World Cup qualification had already been secured, while national coach Hossam Hassan previously criticised the player when he left AFCON early due to injury two years ago. Although Liverpool would prefer to have Salah available against Burnley rather than playing in a largely symbolic match, they are mindful of maintaining positive relations with the Egyptian FA.

Arne Slot’s side have yet to lose in Salah’s absence and should be capable of managing one more game without him, with hopes that he will return in time for next Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Marseille.

There may still be some issues to smooth over following Salah’s emotional reaction after the recent 3–3 draw at Leeds, and supporters will be looking for a strong on-field response from a player whose tally of five goals is unusually low at this point in the season. Still, it should only be a matter of days before Salah pulls on a Liverpool shirt again, potentially at the Stade Vélodrome, where he can be reintegrated without any lingering fallout from recent events.