Mohamed Salah set to miss three games as Liverpool suffer blow

Following his most prolific season to date, Mohamed Salah is setting his sights on a record-breaking, trophy-laden 2025/26. However, Liverpool are set to face a challenge with the Egyptian star. Salah notched up an impressive 57 goals and assists in all competitions last season, helping the Reds clinch the Premier League title. In doing so, he surpassed his previous best from 2017/18, breaking numerous records and moving into third place on Liverpool's all-time top scorer list.

His significance to the team cannot be overstated, a key reason why Liverpool were keen to secure the 33-year-old on a two-year contract extension. This is why his absence for at least three matches this winter will pose a problem. The forthcoming season will see Liverpool grappling with the African Cup of Nations (AFCON). The next instalment of the tournament is slated to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

As Egypt's figurehead, Salah will undoubtedly be expected to spearhead his country's bid for their eighth continental title, but their first since 2010.

The Pharaohs are set to play three group stage matches from the start of the competition until New Year's Eve. During this festive period, Salah is likely to miss three league fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur (A), Wolves (H) and Leeds United (H).

However, this is merely the minimum, as Egypt are traditionally one of the stronger nations participating and are expected to progress far into AFCON, if not win it outright. Including the full knockout stages, Salah would miss three more league matches against Fulham (A), Arsenal (A) and Burnley (H).

The away match against the Gunners will be particularly scrutinised, given its potential significance in the upcoming title race.

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Furthermore, the FA have announced that the FA Cup third round dates will coincide with AFCON, taking place on the weekend of 10/11 January, 2026. UEFA's Champions League schedule also places the penultimate league phase fixtures on 20/21 January, 2026.

As a result, Salah could potentially miss eight Liverpool fixtures due to AFCON.

The silver lining for the Reds in this unfortunate situation is that their rivals are also set to be impacted. Manchester United are poised to lose Cameroon star Bryan Mbeumo, who they recently splashed £60m on, and Ivory Coast's Amad.

Manchester City will be without Omar Marmoush and Chelsea will miss Nicolas Jackson.

Liverpool's summer transfer activity has prepared them to cope with Salah's absence.

Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike can provide goalscoring and creative threat, as can attacking full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong. The latter could even step up into an advanced role to fill the void left by Salah.

Moreover, current options Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez should not be overlooked either.