Liverpool are set to lose Salah, Mane, and Keita due to AFCON. The Africa cup of Nations kicks off on Sunday 9th January 2022.
According to FIFA regulations, the Merseyside giants will be without Salah, Mane, and Keita until their respective countries are out of the tournament. Therefore, the rules indicate that players should leave on December 27. That is 13 days before the competition kicks off.
If the players are set to leave on 27th December 2021, all three players will miss two crucial games. One against The Foxes on 29th December and the other one against Chelsea on 2nd January in the new year. Thus, these are two very important matches for Liverpool in the title race. Therefore, Liverpool can not afford to lose their key players at such a crucial time.
New AFCON departure dates for Salah, Mane and Keita
A major boost for Liverpool ahead of the African Cup of Nations, a new development, meaning Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane’s departure will be delayed. The World Leagues Forum (WLF) has written to FIFA and to the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Saying that the players will not be allowed to leave until January 3.
If this is the situation it is very good news for the Liverpool fans. As all the players will be available for both the important games in the festive season. Moreover, Salah and Mane will be key to Liverpool’s plans against The Foxes and Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Egypt and Senegal, are expected to go far in the AFCON tournament, which leaves Klopp to lose his best players in the forward department for a long time. So the boss would be happy to get as much action from both his golden wingers before they leave for their international duties.
Liverpool are not the only club set to lose players for AFCON. But the Reds are fighting for the League title and they need their best players to be on the pitch week in and out. Therefore, with Injuries and players getting affected by Covid, It is Important that the Reds have a strong squad for the upcoming fixture.
It is going to be a busy January for Liverpool. Hope the Reds have a Happy new year this time, unlike the last season.
