The extraordinary availability of Mohamed Salah for Liverpool has been a remarkable feat throughout his tenure at the club.
However, as Salah gears up to represent Egypt in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), it is essential to examine how his absence could affect Liverpool’s fixtures in the Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup.
Key Dates and Egypt’s Track Record
The 2023 AFCON is scheduled to take place in the Ivory Coast from January 13, 2024, to February 11, 2024, following the conclusion of the 2023 calendar year.
Egypt, the five-time AFCON winners, have reached the final in five of the last six tournaments, making it highly likely that Salah’s involvement will extend into the later stages of the competition.
Premier League Matches
Liverpool could be without their star player for at least four key Premier League matches.
Salah may miss the opening game of the new year against Bournemouth on January 13, which coincides with the AFCON kick-off, providing a faint sense of relief after last season’s disappointing loss to the same team.
Salah screwed a penalty horribly wide as Liverpool lost 1-0 on the south coast. Notably, Salah’s absence could affect Liverpool’s clashes with Chelsea, Arsenal, and Burnley, presenting a challenging situation for manager Jurgen Klopp.
| Date | Time | Fixture |
|---|---|---|
| 13/01/2024 | 15:00 | Bournemouth v Liverpool |
| 31/01/2024 | 20:00 | Liverpool v Chelsea |
| 03/02/2024 | 15:00 | Arsenal v Liverpool |
| 10/02/2024 | 15:00 | Liverpool v Burnley |
The potential FA Cup and Carabao Cup Ties Salah could miss for Liverpool
In the FA Cup, Salah’s availability could be limited to the third-round tie on the weekend of January 6, 2024, before he joins the Egyptian national team.
If Liverpool progresses to the fourth round, Salah may miss that round for the Reds, who have reached to that round in 11 of the last 12 seasons.
Similarly, if Liverpool reaches the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, Salah is unlikely to participate in both legs scheduled for January 8 and January 21, 2024.
The Europa League fixtures Salah could miss for Liverpool
Fortunately for Liverpool, Salah’s AFCON absence will likely not affect their Europa League campaign significantly.
If Liverpool tops their group, Salah would return in time for the round of 16, which commences on March 7, 2024.
Even if they finish second, the knockout round playoffs begin on February 15, 2024, after the AFCON final.
Potential Replacements
During Salah’s absence, Liverpool may rely on alternative options such as Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, or Ben Doak to fill the void on the right wing.
While Diaz and Jota are right-footed, limiting Salah’s signature move of cutting inside onto his stronger left foot, Doak offers versatility with both feet. Another possibility is Harvey Elliott, although his recent experience has been predominantly in midfield.
Liverpool Face Challenge Without Salah
Mohamed Salah’s participation in the 2023 AFCON poses a significant challenge for Liverpool as they aim to maintain their success in various competitions.
With the potential absence of Salah for crucial Premier League fixtures against Chelsea and Arsenal, Klopp will need to find suitable replacements to fill the void left by the prolific Egyptian winger.
However, Liverpool can take solace in the limited impact on their Europa League campaign, as Salah is expected to return in time for the knockout stages.
Thus, balancing Liverpool’s success with Salah’s international aspirations will be a delicate task for the club’s management.
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