LIVERPOOL could be without Mo Salah for up to six weeks as the Egypt superstar prepares for crunch talks over his release for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Reds forward, 33, is due to meet Egypt boss Hossam Hassan next week in a bid to avoid another club-versus-country row ahead of the tournament in Morocco.
Egypt are set to hold a training camp and warm-up friendly from December 8, with a high-profile clash against Nigeria in Cairo.
Under international rules, Hassan has the right to call Salah up for that camp.
But Liverpool want their talisman available for key fixtures against Inter Milan in the Champions League and Brighton in the Premier League that same week.
The Dailymail is reporting that Salah wants to stay and play those competitive matches for Arne Slot’s side before joining up with his national team.
Two years ago, Liverpool successfully asked Egypt to delay Salah’s call-up so he could rest and recover.
That decision that sparked outrage among fans back home, who claimed it was their “right” to have him represent his country.
Relations have since improved but the issue is flaring up again as both sides try to find a solution.
Salah, who has 63 goals in 108 caps, is chasing Egypt boss Hassan’s own national scoring record and will be vital to the Pharaohs’ bid for an eighth AFCON title.
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The tournament runs from December 21 to January 18 and if Egypt go all the way, Salah could miss seven to eight Liverpool games across all competitions.
That includes league clashes against Tottenham (a), Wolves (h), Leeds (h), Fulham (a), Arsenal (a) and Burnley (h), plus a Champions League tie at Marseille and the FA Cup third round in early January.
Egypt are third favourites to win AFCON behind Morocco and Algeria, meaning a deep run is likely.
Arne Slot’s men are bracing themselves to be without their star man just as the season hits its busiest spell.
