Mo Salah to Miss Liverpool Matches for AFCON

Arne Slot praises Salah's professionalism

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that Mohamed Salah will depart for Egypt's Africa Cup of Nations campaign on December 15, just a week before the tournament kicks off in Morocco. Salah, who was benched for Liverpool's win over West Ham, is expected to play his last game for the Reds against Brighton on December 13 before joining Egypt's squad.

“Fortunately, the time I have been here, he has been a superhuman being...”

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has confirmed that Mohamed Salah will depart for Egypt's Africa Cup of Nations campaign on December 15. Salah, who was benched for Liverpool's win over West Ham, is expected to play his last game for the Reds against Brighton on December 13 before joining Egypt's squad in Morocco.

Slot praised Salah's professionalism despite his disappointment at being dropped, saying, “He wasn't happy he wasn't starting, but he wasn't the only one. The way he behaved was as you'd expect from a top professional: he supported his teammates and handled himself really well.”

Slot described Salah's reaction as “a normal reaction from a player that's good enough to play for us.” He also commended Salah's discipline and support for his teammates, saying he's a “top professional” who will always handle himself well, whether playing or not.

The Egypt forward's last game before AFCON will likely be against Brighton on December 13. If Egypt reaches the final, Salah will miss seven Liverpool matches, including games against Spurs, Wolves, Leeds, Fulham, Arsenal, and Burnley.

He said: “Fair assumption and normal reaction (being upset) for someone who can play for us.

“Of course, a player isn't happy he isn't playing; he wasn't the only one, I can tell you.

“The way he behaved was as you would expect from the professional he is, he was very supportive for his teammates and handled himself really well.

“You can't play that well every three days if you go with your emotions, but Mo is so disciplined. He will always be that top professional as he was the last few days.”

Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed that Mohamed Salah will depart for Egypt's Africa Cup of Nations squad on December 15. When asked about Salah's departure date, Slot replied, “He'll go on December 15.”

“The way we have worked is that there's a communication between all three - the player, the club and country. That's nothing new. But FIFA have said December 15th is the last day a player has to be released.”

On withdrawing Salah from the frontline, Slot also stated: “Fortunately, the time I have been here, he has been a superhuman being, but all players around the world, there are times at a club where you are human. 

“He's scored so many goals for us and I'm sure he will in the future.”

Liverpool's Rotation Plans Ahead of Sunderland Clash

Liverpool manager Arne Slot is considering rotations for Wednesday's Premier League match against Sunderland, with selections dependent on the fitness of players who featured in Sunday's win over West Ham United.

“Florian (Wirtz) has missed one and a half, two weeks of training. For him to play so many minutes was already a good thing. It was encouraging to see him play that well, although not the first time for us - maybe the first time a lot of people noticed.

“Also positive for Alex (Isak) to score his first goal, he couldn't play five or 10 more minutes as he already felt a bit of cramp. He's another player who we have to see how he does.”

Liverpool's Rotation Plans

With Mohamed Salah departing for the Africa Cup of Nations, Slot may consider rotating his squad. Curtis Jones could start at right-back, while Andy Robertson might replace Milos Kerkez at left-back. Florian Wirtz is likely to keep his spot as the No.10, playing behind Alexander Isak.

Slot said: “A big compliment for their manager (Regis Le Bris) as they brought in a lot of good players.

“I saw the game Chelsea v Arsenal on the way home, two teams working so hard and fighting. Then I was aware of the fact Sunderland beat Chelsea away and drew with Arsenal.

“You can look at the league table to know they're doing well, but those two results show it.

“They are resilient. They have shown great mentality, but the style they play and risks they take when not having ball - very high-paced game and players work so hard to get a result.

“A very hard-working team with a very clear identity.”

He also stated: “Sunderland are either pressing really high or 11 players defend the box with all they have. That's why they are so difficult to play against.

“It's important to start a game well even without scoring a goal. We have to try that better than recently because recently, apart from West Ham we've conceded.”

Arne Slot Faces Social Media Abuse

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been named the most abused manager on social media in the Premier League. This isn't surprising, given the intense scrutiny he and his team have faced this season. Slot has been vocal about online abuse, condemning racist comments directed at players like Antoine Semenyo, who was abused during a match at Anfield.

🚨🇪🇬 Arne Slot: “Mo Salah will travel for AFCON on December 15”.

“Of course a player is not happy if he's not starting but he was very supportive of his teammates. He's a top professional”. pic.twitter.com/hx5DMcrzoP

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 2, 2025

The Dutchman, however, shrugged: “Maybe I expected a bit more after the Forest game!

“Abuse is never a good thing. But I am not a social media person, but I'm not stupid, I'm aware of it. If you start to lose you're aware people aren't happy with you.

“What I notice and feel is the support the fans give me in the stadium. Even at 0-0 (at West Ham) the fans were singing for the team and for me.”