Liverpool will see arguably their biggest star miss significant game time this season, because of a unique spell of international duty.
The Africa Cup of Nations is an historic event steeped in culture and tradition, and the latest edition of the tournament will crown the next continental champion across FIFA's largest confederation.
With this year's tournament moved to January and February 2024 due to scheduling delays hanging over from the Covid-19 pandemic, players with participating nations will be forced to depart their domestic clubs mid-season and link up with their international teammates to take part.
There is only one player in the Liverpool squad who will miss club time during AFCON this year – but it's a big one in Mo Salah. The Sporting News details the critical Reds star likely to be involved and how long he could potentially be absent.
MORE: Which Arsenal players will compete at AFCON 2024?
When is AFCON 2023? Fixtures, dates Liverpool players could miss
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations will run from mid-January through mid-February of 2024, with players leaving their clubs during that time for international duty.
A total of 24 nations will be involved in the final tournament, with the group stage lasting 11 days. The top two finishers in each group will advance to the Round of 16, plus another four third-place finishers. Then, through the first half of February, the sides will slowly be pared down until the final on February 11.
| Stage | Dates | Nations |
| Group Stage | Jan. 13 — 24 | 24 |
| Round of 16 | Jan. 27 — 30 | 16 |
| Quarterfinals | Feb. 2 — 3 | 8 |
| Semifinals | Feb. 7 | 4 |
| 3rd Place Match | Feb. 10 | 2 |
| Final | Feb. 11 | 2 |
Liverpool at-risk fixtures during AFCON
These fixtures are confirmed for Liverpool during the period which the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations will be held.
| Date | Competition | Match |
| Jan. 21, 2024 | Premier League | at Bournemouth |
| Jan. 31, 2024 | Premier League | vs. Chelsea |
| Feb. 3, 2024 | Premier League | at Arsenal |
| Feb. 10, 2024 | Premier League | vs. Burnley |
Other potential fixtures for Liverpool during AFCON
These fixtures could potentially be added to Liverpool's schedule during or near the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations should they progress deep enough into the respective competition to qualify.
| Date | Competition | Stage |
| Jan. 7, 2024 | FA Cup | 3rd Round vs. Arsenal |
| Jan. 8/22, 2024 | EFL Cup | Semifinal vs. Fulham |
| Jan. 27, 2024 | FA Cup | 4th Round |
Liverpool players at AFCON 2023
Mohamed Salah — FWD, Egypt
The only Liverpool player who will miss time with the Reds to play for his national team at the Africa Cup of Nations this season is Salah.
Now 31, Salah leaves Liverpool midway through January to play for Egypt. Two years ago, Salah helped Egypt reach the final before they were beaten by Senegal in a penalty shootout.
Egypt's run in that tournament sapped Salah of energy, and his performances when returning to Liverpool saw a dip in form. Hopefully the Reds are better prepared this time around for Salah to manage his workload appropriately, to return at full strength should he make a deep run in the competition.
With Liverpool aiming for a renewed Premier League title charge this season, Salah has been in superb form with 18 goals in all competitions.
Midfielder Wataru Endo is also absent for Klopp as he joins up with Japan for AFC Asian Cup duty.