When is Mohamed Salah back from AFCON? Liverpool return date after 2025 Africa Cup of Nations – For Liverpool supporters around the world, Mohamed Salah’s absence throughout the mid-season stretch of the 2025–26 campaign has been a huge discussion topic. When is Mohamed Salah back from AFCON
The Egyptian superstar – a talisman at Anfield for nearly a decade — has been away from club commitments to lead Egypt at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). That committment has left Reds fans wondering: when will he be back? The answer relies on Egypt’s progress in the competition, but we now have a clear framework of dates and possibilities for his prospective return.
Why Is Salah Away?
AFCON – the continent’s biggest national team competition — is overseen by the Confederation of African Football and takes place every two years. In 2025, the tournament was hosted in Morocco, with Egypt among the favorites. As captain and talisman of his national team, Salah’s inclusion was always expected, and Liverpool declared early that he will go to the competition on 15 December 2025 to join Egypt’s camp and preparations.
Because AFCON falls bang in the middle of the Premier League season, Salah’s absence strikes Liverpool during a critical period of fixtures – the congested festive calendar and January’s key matches in domestic and European tournaments. When is Mohamed Salah back from AFCON
AFCON Timeline: Key Dates
Here’s the chronology that shapes Salah’s availability:
15 December 2025 – Salah left Liverpool to join Egypt’s AFCON training.
21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026 — The official dates of the AFCON event.
18 January 2026 – AFCON final in Morocco.
Egypt progressed into the knockout stages, meaning Salah will stay in Morocco as long as his side continues in the competition – extending his probable absence from Liverpool fixtures. A quarter-final and semi-final run pushes his schedule deeper into January. When Could Salah Return?
Scenarios Based on Egypt’s Progress
Unlike a definite club absence, returning from international duty isn’t a specific date – it changes according on how far Egypt goes in AFCON. Here’s how it breaks down:
1. Egypt Exit in Quarter-Finals (Early January)
If Egypt were knocked out after the round of 16 or in the quarter-finals, Salah might have been back in training in time for mid-January Liverpool fixtures, possibly as early as January 17th. However, thanks to Egypt’s deeper run, this hopeful prospect is now off the table.
2. Egypt Exit in Semi-Finals (Around 14 Jan)
Should Egypt lose in the semis — which take place around January 14 — Salah might miss Liverpool’s next few matches but might rejoin the squad around late January. In this situation, he might be available for games after mid-week European fixtures, such as the Champions League tie on January 21st or soon after. This is the most likely realistic outcome if Egypt falter just short of the final.
3. Egypt Reach the AFCON Final (18 Jan)
If Egypt reach it all the way — and Salah is fit and available — they’ll be playing on the last day, 18 January. That’s also what would push his return back the furthest. In that situation, Salah wouldn’t be back in Liverpool until approximately 24 January or later, missing a chunk of January club fixtures including the Champions League game on the 21st.
How Salah’s Absence Has Affected Liverpool
Salah’s absence has been noticed on and off the pitch. With Liverpool juggling Premier League battles, FA Cup ties, and European nights, his creativity and leadership were sorely lacking. The Reds have shown tenacity, but they’ve obviously missed Salah’s experience, goals, and the menace he gives to opposition defenses.
The timing of AFCON – square in the middle of the Liverpool season — often makes life difficult for the club. Depending on the results and fixtures, Salah might miss up to six or more Premier League games and several other competitive matches during this span. When is Mohamed Salah back from AFCON
What Fans Are Saying
Across social media and fan forums, supporters are split between frustration and understanding:
Some worry that missing Salah in critical matches undermines momentum exactly when Liverpool needs it most. Others feel that a revitalized and confident Salah might return better than ever — especially if he helps Egypt go deep in AFCON. There’s also speculation about how his long-term future at Liverpool may influence his motivation and performance. Whether you love him or doubt his place in the squad, there’s no denying Salah’s historical importance to Liverpool and how much expectation there is for his return.
Wrapping Up: When Will Salah Step Back Onto Anfield Turf?
Here’s a short rundown of when Mo Salah might be back at Liverpool:
- Scenario Expected Return Around Egypt leave in QF ~ 17 January 2026
- Egypt exit in Semi ~ 21 January 2026 Egypt in AFCON Final ~ 24 January 2026 or later.
- The exact date will ultimately depend on Egypt’s run — and whether Salah avoids injury or weariness from a high-intensity tournament. When is Mohamed Salah back from AFCON
Final Thoughts
Mohamed Salah’s AFCON trip has been a bittersweet emotional experience for Liverpool fans. While it’s heartbreaking to watch one of your all-time greats miss club action, serving one’s country on the continental stage is a distinct privilege — especially as a captain and leader.
Whether he returns late January or a little beyond, the desire among Reds supporters is that he arrives healthy, cheerful, and ready to help end the season well. If Egypt make the final on January 18th, we’re likely looking at Salah reconnecting with Liverpool around January 24th — a date that may be circled on calendars at Anfield everywhere.When is Mohamed Salah back from AFCON
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