Liverpool are set to face a significant challenge next season as Mohamed Salah will be unavailable due to his participation with Egypt in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, scheduled to take place in Morocco next month.
The tournament is set to kick off on December 21, 2025, and conclude on January 18, 2026. Salah’s absence is expected to cost Liverpool at least three Premier League matches, but if Egypt progresses all the way to the final in Rabat, he could miss up to eight league games during this period.
Even though Salah has yet to hit his peak form under manager Arne Slot, his absence will undoubtedly leave a gap, especially considering that Liverpool face crucial away fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal that coincide with the AFCON final.
This is not the first time Liverpool have had to cope without Salah in the middle of a season; the Egyptian superstar was also unavailable during AFCON tournaments in 2021 and 2023, creating similar challenges for the Reds.
Liverpool’s Search for a Temporary Replacement
According to Liverpool Echo, the club’s management is actively exploring options to sign a temporary replacement to cover for Salah during the AFCON period.
Antoine Semenyo in the Spotlight
One of the top targets reportedly under consideration is Antoine Semenyo, the 25-year-old forward from Bournemouth. Semenyo, who represents the Ghana national team, has drawn interest from several Premier League clubs due to his pace, versatility, and goal-scoring ability.
Interestingly, Ghana failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, marking the first time since 2004 that the Black Stars will be absent from the tournament. This fact significantly increases Liverpool’s chances of securing Semenyo, as he will be available to play throughout the AFCON period, unlike other international stars who will be away with their national teams.
For Liverpool, acquiring Semenyo would provide a much-needed solution to temporarily fill the void left by Salah. The Ghanaian forward’s availability, coupled with his experience in the Premier League, makes him an attractive option to bolster Liverpool’s attacking options during the busy festive and winter period.
As the club prepares for Salah’s temporary departure, fans will be watching closely to see if Semenyo can step up and help Liverpool maintain their push in the league while their talisman is away with Egypt.
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