Liverpool and Egypt have been at loggerheads over Mohamed Salah’s fitness and availability for international duty so far this season – but there could be a breakthrough in November
Liverpool have received a significant boost as Mohamed Salah may not be required for Egypt during the upcoming international break, while discussions about extending his Anfield contract continue. Salah sat out Egypt’s 1-0 victory over Mauritania this week due to concerns about potential injury on their artificial pitch – with manager Hossam Hassan also worried about the striker coming up against “violent” defending.
Both Egypt and Liverpool have been meticulous in managing Salah’s fitness to ensure he is at his best for key matches, and now that Egypt has qualified for the African Cup of Nations, there is a possibility he won’t be needed for their next fixtures against Cape Verde and Botswana in November. The 32-year-old being given a rest for these games and an additional month to recover from Premier League action could be vital for maintaining his fitness and career longevity – factors that will significantly influence his commitment to a new Liverpool contract.
Salah’s current Reds contract expires next summer, but manager Arne Slot is reportedly eager to negotiate new terms amid rumours he could move to a team in Saudi Arabia, after the club turned down a £150m offer from Al-Ittihad in September, 2023. Last month, Salah hinted it could be his “last year” with Liverpool and stated there had been no progress on a new deal.
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Salah spoke candidly about his current contract situation, saying: “Nobody in the club talked to me yet about contracts so I was just like, ‘OK, I play my last season and see at the end of the season.’ I feel I am free to play football – we will see what happens next year.”
With Egypt’s national team not playing until March after the forthcoming international break, Salah’s focus is on a string of crucial matches with Liverpool. The Reds are gearing up for a big one against Chelsea at Anfield, swiftly followed by an away clash at Red Bull Leipzig, and then they’re off to face Premier League title contenders Arsenal.
A couple of head-to-heads against Brighton loom before November presents a packed schedule with three games in just over a week, preceding another international period.
Salah’s imprint on Liverpool is undeniable; he’s struck 217 goals in 359 appearances, positioning him as the fifth all-time top scorer for the side, trailing only club legends Ian Rush, Roger Hunt, Gordon Hodgson and Billy Liddell.
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