How many games will Mo Salah miss for Liverpool due to AFCON?

The ‘Egyptian King’ is in the Ivory Coast as the Pharaohs look to add to their record haul of seven AFCON triumphs.

The 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations kicks-off in Ivory Coast on 13 January as 24 nations eye the biggest prize in African football.

Seven time winners Egypt will be looking to add to their haul of seven AFCON triumphs and the Pharaohs have been pitted in Group B along with Ghana, Cape Verde and Mozambique.

Egypt will be looking to a squad featuring a blend of youth coupled with the experience of the likes of keeper Mohamed El Shenawy, Mohamed Elneny, Ahmed Hegazi and captain Mo Salah.

The Liverpool striker is the most experienced member of the squad with over 90 caps to his name across 12 years of service with the national team.

Rui Vitoria’s men start their action Mozambique in Abidjan on Sunday, 14 January and then face their sternest group stage test four days later when they face Ghana. Mo Salah and co. will then conclude Group B action against Cape Verde as Egypt complete the group stage on Monday, 22 January.

Assuming Egypt were to go all the way at the tournament in Ivory Coast, they would play the final in Abidjan on 11 February with the Reds missing their star player for possibly over a month.

Speaking on Salah’s absence, Liverpool boss Klopp stated: “Do you want to play without Mo, no. But we always find a way to get through this period, I’m pretty sure we will find it.”

7 January: FA Cup (third round) vs Arsenal

10 January: EFL Cup (semifinal) vs Fulham

21 January: Premier League vs Bournemouth

24 January: EFL Cup (semifinal, second leg) vs Fulham*

31 January: Premier League vs Chelsea*

4 February: Premier League vs Arsenal*

10 February: Premier League vs Burnley*

(* should Egypt progress)