Liverpool suffer major setback with star player to miss matches due to AFCON

After delivering his most prolific campaign yet, Mohamed Salah is targeting an even more historic 2025/26 season. The Liverpool talisman tallied a staggering 57 goals and assists across all competitions last campaign, driving the Reds to Premier League glory and cementing his place as one of the club’s greatest-ever players. His efforts broke multiple records and elevated him to third on Liverpool’s all-time top scorers list.

Liverpool handed major blow before Premier League season

Recognizing his unmatched value, Liverpool quickly secured the 33-year-old forward on a two-year contract extension. However, the club now faces a significant challenge, Salah’s upcoming absence due to the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), hosted in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

As captain and figurehead of the Egyptian national team, Salah is expected to lead the Pharaohs in pursuit of their eighth AFCON title and their first since 2010. Egypt’s group stage matches run until New Year’s Eve, meaning Salah will miss at least three key Premier League fixtures: Tottenham Hotspur (A), Wolverhampton Wanderers (H), and Leeds United (H).

Yet, should Egypt progress as is widely anticipated, Salah's absence could extend further. Should the Pharaohs reach the latter stages of the tournament, the Liverpool star would miss an additional three league clashes: Fulham (A), Arsenal (A), and Burnley (H). The visit to Arsenal is especially crucial given its potential impact on the title race.

Adding to the scheduling congestion, the FA Cup third round is set for the weekend of January 10/11, overlapping with AFCON. Meanwhile, the Champions League group stage resumes on January 20/21, raising the possibility that Salah could miss up to eight matches in total during this period.

Players who will miss due to AFCON

Liverpool aren't alone in this predicament. Manchester United will lose Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon) and Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), while Manchester City will be without Egyptian winger Omar Marmoush. Chelsea, too, must cope without striker Nicolas Jackson.

Despite the setback, Liverpool's summer business has been strategic. New arrivals Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike offer attacking firepower, while full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, the latter even capable of stepping into an advanced role and provide added versatility. Current stars Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz, and Darwin Nunez will also be called upon to shoulder the attacking burden during Salah’s absence.