MOHAMED SALAH is leaving Liverpool to join Egypt's team for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. This decision comes as tensions are rising at the club. Egypt's coach, Hossam Hassan, confirmed Salah's spot in the 28-player squad announced on Thursday. Salah will miss at least two Premier League games for Liverpool during the tournament, which starts on December 21.
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Salah made headlines after the recent 3-3 draw with Leeds United. He said he felt like a scapegoat for Liverpool's recent poor results and that his relationship with manager Arne Slot had worsened. His comments came after he was left out of the squad for both Leeds and West Ham, and wasn't even used as a substitute in the Champions League match against Inter Milan.
Even though there's tension at Liverpool, FIFA rules allow players to join their national teams just a week before the tournament starts. This means Salah will be available for Liverpool's league match against Brighton on Saturday. During the tournament, Liverpool will play against Tottenham and Wolverhampton without Salah. Egypt's squad also includes Omar Marmoush from Manchester City and Mahmoud Trezeguet from Al-Ahly.
Egypt, who are seven-time Africa Cup of Nations winners, will start their campaign against Zimbabwe on December 22. They'll then face South Africa four days later, and wrap up the group stage with a match against Angola on December 29. Hassan has chosen a well-rounded squad that includes both top domestic players and international stars, as Egypt aim to win the tournament again.