Salah's AFCON return date now clear as Liverpool receive key update for Slot

Mohamed Salah scored as Egypt reached the semi-final of the Africa Cup of Nations by beating Ivory Coast 3-2 - with the Liverpool forward guaranteed to miss the Burnley clash.

Liverpool now have a clearer picture of when Mohamed Salah will return from the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, following Egypt's 3-2 victory over Ivory Coast on Saturday evening. Salah once again found the back of the net for the Pharaohs, setting up a semi-final clash with Sadio Mane's Senegal.

Manchester City's Omar Marmoush gave Egypt the lead, which was then doubled by Rami Rabia, assisted by Salah. Ivory Coast managed to reduce their deficit just before half-time, but Salah struck in the 52nd minute to restore Egypt's two-goal advantage.

Despite Guela Doue pulling another goal back, Hossam Hassan's side held on to secure their spot in the semi-final. The semi-final is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon (5pm UK time), with Salah aiming to guide Egypt to the final.

If they lose to Senegal, they will remain in Morocco for a third-place play-off, set for Saturday, January 17. Should Egypt triumph in the semi-final, they will contest the final on Sunday, January 18. This means that Salah is certain to miss Liverpool's Premier League match against Burnley next weekend.

Regardless of the outcome against Senegal, Salah will be available for selection for Liverpool's Champions League fixture against Marseille. Arne Slot's team are due to travel to France on Wednesday, January 21, which is the first match after AFCON.

However, if Egypt triumphs, the ensuing celebrations could delay Salah's return for the match in France. If that happens, his first game back would likely be the trip to Bournemouth on Saturday, 24 January.

Liverpool will be eager for Salah's return after a streak of three consecutive draws. Despite victories over Tottenham and Wolves without their star forward, the Reds have been unable to secure a win in their last three matches.

A goalless draw at home against Leeds was followed by a frustrating 2-2 stalemate at Fulham, thanks to Harrison Reed's stunning injury-time strike. Liverpool then drew 0-0 away at Arsenal, but injuries to Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike left Slot's attacking options somewhat depleted.

"I find it really hard to hear but I would not completely disagree," said Slot when asked if his team's approach had turned dull. I would use different words and I would take certain things into account.

"I want to win as many trophies as I can, but I think I am also known for the fact that my teams always try to play attacking football and I can only say they're trying to do so. We are struggling to create a lot of chances.

"But I've said many times, we are not the only team that struggles to create a lot of chances. I don't like to hear this [boring label], of course. I would like us winning a lot of games, but also playing an attractive style of football which we have done this season.

"We have to find a way against teams [who play] in not an attractive way, which is, of course, maybe even smart for them to do. We have to find answers to that. We haven't found enough yet, but we are working on that every single day to improve on that."