What are the chances of Liverpool bringing Mo Salah back for Saturday following Egypt’s latest AFCON disappointment?

Once again, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will pass Mo Salah by without glory, as Egypt were knocked out 1-0 by Senegal in Wednesday’s semi-final. The Liverpool winger has now taken part in five editions of the tournament without winning the trophy, coming closest in 2017 and 2022 when Egypt lost in the finals to Cameroon and Senegal, respectively.
With Salah set to turn 34 in June, it’s increasingly likely that one of Africa’s greatest-ever players will never lift a continental title for his country, despite his immense club success and remarkable individual achievements.
Salah still has one more AFCON game
Egypt were undone by a late Sadio Mane strike in Tangier, but Salah and his teammates still have one match left: the third-place play-off against Nigeria on Saturday.
That clash coincides with Liverpool’s Premier League game at home to Burnley. While the Anfield fixture carries far more significance competitively, it seems improbable that the club will recall Salah. According to Liverpool.com, LFC are “respectful” of Egypt having one final AFCON game, meaning the 33-year-old is likely to see out the tournament before returning to Merseyside.
When could Salah next feature for Liverpool?
Liverpool will remember that Egypt had previously accommodated them by resting Salah during a friendly against Cape Verde in November, after World Cup qualification was already secured. His national coach, Hossam Hassan, had also criticised him for leaving AFCON early due to injury two years ago.
While Liverpool would prefer Salah available against Burnley rather than for a largely inconsequential match, they also appear keen to maintain a good relationship with the Egyptian FA. Slot’s side have stayed unbeaten during Salah’s absence and should manage one more game without him before he ideally returns for the Champions League trip to Marseille next Wednesday.
There may still be some bridges to repair at Anfield following Salah’s public outburst after the 3-3 draw at Leeds, and fans will expect a response on the pitch from a player whose five-goal tally is unusually low for this stage of the season.
All being well, we should see Salah back in a Liverpool shirt at the Stade Vélodrome next week, reintegrated into the team without any lingering tension from the events at Elland Road.