Salah and Marmoush cause tension in the Premier League because of AFCON
Egypt wants Salah and Marmoush to participate in the friendly match on December 14; Man City meets Crystal Palace, Liverpool meets Brighton and risks losing them for 7-8 matches if they go deep in AFCON.
Just a week before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off in Morocco, a club-national team feud flares up: Coach Hossam Hassan asks Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush to play in the friendly against Nigeria on December 14, when Man City and Liverpool are locked in a tight Premier League schedule.
Blockage 13-14/12: friendly match overlaps with Premier League schedule
According to The Telegraph, Man City are likely to refuse to release Omar Marmoush for the friendly against Nigeria on December 14, because on the same day Pep Guardiola's team will visit Crystal Palace in the Premier League. Marmoush just scored in the 3-1 win over Swansea in the Carabao Cup and is expected to play, before joining the Egypt national team immediately after the match against Palace. This scenario means he will miss the Carabao Cup match against Brentford on December 16.
At Liverpool, Mohamed Salah's situation is also unclear. The Reds host Brighton on December 13, and whether Salah will be allowed to play in a friendly against Nigeria remains a question mark. Arne Slot will have to carefully consider the interests of the club and the Egyptian star's national duties.
Long absence scenario if Egypt goes deep
If Egypt progress in AFCON, the impact on the personnel of the two Premier League title contenders will be significant. Marmoush could miss eight games for Man City, including the big games against Chelsea and Man United. As for Salah, Liverpool are at risk of losing him for at least seven games. In addition, City will also lose Algerian left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri for this tournament.
Tactical angle: when losing the spearhead in the harsh stage
Liverpool and the problem without Salah
Losing Salah would be a huge loss for Liverpool. In the busy end of the year, he is both an attacking fulcrum and a match-winner. Not only is he a source of goals, Salah stretches the opposition defence and creates space for his satellites. Arne Slot must re-think how to deploy on the right flank, allocate finishing responsibilities and preserve the squad's stamina against Brighton and the next series of matches.
Man City and the rotation problem with Marmoush
For Man City, the absence of Marmoush for friendlies and the possibility of a long absence at AFCON poses a challenge in rotating players in a tight fixture schedule. Any shortage of players will affect the pressing rhythm and depth of personnel for the Carabao Cup and big Premier League games.
Man City's response: respect the team but will adjust
Pep Guardiola kept a calm but realistic attitude: “This tournament belongs to their countries, and when the time comes, they have to go. For now, I only think about the games ahead. When they can't be there, we will adjust.”
He also highlighted the fierce competition in the Premier League, comparing it to the NBA: “I used to hear that in England, everyone can beat anyone. Maybe Liverpool and we changed that with seasons of almost 100 points. But now, everyone can surprise – this is good for the audience and for football.”
Selected statistics and timeline
- 14/12: Egypt wants Salah and Marmoush to play a friendly against Nigeria.
- December 14: Man City visit Crystal Palace (Premier League).
- 13/12: Liverpool vs Brighton.
- 16/12: Carabao Cup, Man City vs Brentford – Marmoush may be absent.
- If Egypt go deep: Marmoush could miss 8 matches (with Chelsea, Man United); Salah could miss at least 7 matches.
Summary of personnel impact table
| Club | Player | Events on the same date | Possibility of absence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Man City | Omar Marmoush | December 14 Crystal Palace; December 16 Carabao Cup vs Brentford | Up to 8 games possible if Egypt go deep |
| Liverpool | Mohamed Salah | 13/12 vs Brighton | At least 7 matches if Egypt go deep |
| Man City | Rayan Aït-Nouri | AFCON | Absent during AFCON competition |
The Big Picture
The Salah-Marmoush saga is the prelude to a tense winter: the club needs points amid a tough schedule, while the national team demands its strongest squad ahead of AFCON. The line between interests and obligations continues to collide, and decisions in the week of December 13-16 could shape the Premier League race at a turning point.
