Liverpool supporters can breathe a collective sigh of relief amid the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, with indications mounting that star forward Mohamed Salah could return to Anfield sooner than initially feared. As Egypt prepares for the tournament in Morocco, running from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, a supercomputer prediction has eased worries by forecasting an early exit for the Pharaohs, potentially allowing their captain to be available for crucial upcoming fixtures.
Salah, who recently navigated a turbulent period at Liverpool involving a public fallout with manager Arne Slot, has joined up with the Egypt national team. The 33-year-old was absent from Egypt’s 2-1 warm-up victory over Nigeria due to his late arrival alongside Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush, but he is set to lead his country in their opening group stage match against Zimbabwe. Egypt’s group also includes Angola and South Africa, with progression beyond the last-16 appearing uncertain according to analytical forecasts.
A supercomputer simulation from BookmakersCameroun.com has projected Egypt crashing out in the round of 16 with a 1-0 defeat to Comoros, a result that would see the knockout stage conclude between January 3 and 6, 2026. This timeline would enable Salah to rejoin Liverpool in time for their FA Cup tie against Barnsley on January 12, and potentially even influence availability for the high-stakes Premier League clash with Arsenal on January 8 – a match that could prove pivotal in the title race.
The timing of AFCON has long been a source of frustration for Premier League clubs, disrupting the festive and New Year schedule. Salah’s absence has already seen him miss December fixtures against Tottenham and Wolves, compounding concerns given his indispensable role. Despite recent dips in form leading to benchings and a high-profile dispute – where Salah claimed he was “thrown under the bus” after being an unused substitute against Leeds – his return to action against Brighton, complete with an assist, reaffirmed his value.
Liverpool have shown resilience without their talisman, remaining unbeaten in recent outings and demonstrating depth under Slot. Yet, Salah’s record-breaking contributions – surpassing Wayne Rooney for the most goal involvements for a single club in Premier League history – underscore his irreplaceable impact. Fans have been vocal in their desire for resolution, with legends like Jamie Carragher urging the Egyptian King to stay beyond the tournament for a fitting Anfield farewell.
As Egypt aims to end a drought dating back to 2010, Salah carries the hopes of a nation motivated by personal redemption. An early return would not only boost Liverpool’s ambitions but also allow contract talks – with his current deal expiring in 2027 – to resume in a calmer environment. For now, Reds supporters cling to the optimistic projections, hopeful that their prolific forward will don the famous red shirt again sooner rather than later, ready to fire them towards silverware in the second half of the season.
The football world watches closely as AFCON unfolds, but for Liverpool, the prospect of Salah’s accelerated comeback offers a beacon of hope amid the winter chill.