Liverpool will only be missing one player owing to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations but of course, it’s top scorer and star man Mo Salah.
The Egyptian king will be jetting off to the Ivory Coast to represent the Pharaohs in early January 2024 and will miss a potential eight club games as a result.
European teams have often suffered when AFCON comes around and FIFA rules stipulate that clubs must release their players on 1st January.
The Reds are in the midst of a Premier League title battle and will more than likely feel Salah’s absence, but which nine games could he miss?
What Games Will Mo Salah Miss During AFCON?
Mo Salah will definitely miss Liverpool’s Premier League fixture against Bournemouth, as well as the FA Cup 3rd round tie against Arsenal and both EFL Cup semi-final clashes with Fulham.
Assuming Egypt progress past the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations group stages, Salah would also miss the FA Cup 4th round – if Liverpool progress – the fixture against Chelsea and potentially the league visit to the Emirates Stadium and home match against Burnley.
The cup clash against Arsenal may not turn out to be a huge loss – depending on how boss Jurgen Klopp approaches the competition – but the Premier League fixtures against the Gunners and Mauricio Pochettino’s side aren’t ideal.
The Reds have got off lightly in terms of only losing one player, especially compared to other teams in England’s elite, but losing their star man could really damage their chances of winning the 2023/24 title.
Mo Salah could miss some crucial games for Liverpool 🔴 due to AFCON:
🆚 Bournemouth away
🆚 Fulham away in the Carabao Cup semi-final
🆚 Chelsea at home
🆚 Arsenal away
🆚 Burnley at home pic.twitter.com/TLvGBJngtz— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 27, 2023
Mo Salah’s Importance To Liverpool
It’s no secret that Mo Salah is hugely important to Liverpool. The 31-year old has 22 goal contributions in 20 Premier League appearances this season (14 goals, 8 assists).
Salah’s absence will certainly provide a perfect platform for the likes of Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez the chance to step up to fill the void.
Between the quartet, they have netted just 16 goals between them in the league this season which is only two more than Salah’s individual total.
Since joining the Liverpool in 2017, Salah has scored 204 times and provided 88 assists across 332 appearances in all competitions. He has also won seven major honours and several individual accolades.
Liverpool’s Schedule During AFCON
- 7th January vs Arsenal (A) – FA Cup 3rd round
- 10th January vs Fulham (H) – EFL Cup SF 1st leg
- 21st January vs Bournemouth (A) – Premier League
- 24th January vs Fulham (A) – EFL Cup SF 2nd leg
- 27th January – FA Cup 4th round
- 31st January vs Chelsea (H) – Premier League
- 4th February vs Arsenal (A) – Premier League
- 10th February vs Burnley (H) – Premier League
NOTE: The best UK betting sites have all the latest markets, price boosts, enhanced accas and player specials ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
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