Liverpool boss Arne Slot opens up on losing Egypt star Mohammed Salah for AFCON 2025

Liverpool manager Arne Slot says his outfit must cope without Egyptian international Mohammed Salah ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco.

The 35th edition of the continental showpiece has been scheduled to take place in the North African country between December 2025 and January 2026, with 24 nations set to battle for the covetous trophy.

Per FIFA directives, clubs are allowed to keep players set to participate in the AFCON tournament until December 15.

However, Arne Slot has disclosed the side will release the Egyptian for the CAF’s elite tournament on December 15, 2025. His last Liverpool game is expected to be on December 13 against Brighton.

This means the former AS Roma and Chelsea will not be involved on the Pharaoh’s preparations for the continental showpiece.

“We have to find a way to play without him because he won’t be here,” Slot said.

The record AFCON holders has been paired against South Africa, Zimbabwe and Angola in Group B. The Pharaoh’s will open their account against Zimbabwe on December 22, 2025.

The 33-year-old winger has had a difficult start to the 2025/26 football campaign, scoring just five goals and providing three assists in 18 matches.