Overview
- Both clubs plan to keep Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush for domestic fixtures that clash with Egypt’s December 14 friendly against Nigeria, one day after Liverpool face Brighton and the same day Man City visit Crystal Palace.
- Pep Guardiola acknowledged the players will join Egypt for AFCON itself, saying the national competition takes priority once the official release period begins.
- Reporting indicates Man City intend to withhold Marmoush from Egypt’s December training camp, with his first likely club absence expected in the EFL Cup tie against Brentford on December 16.
- If Egypt reach the latter stages, Salah is projected to miss around seven Liverpool matches, while Marmoush could be out for approximately eight to ten Manchester City games across league and Europe.
- AFCON in Morocco runs from roughly December 21/22 to January 18, 2026, and some outlets warn a club‑country dispute could escalate if early releases are pressed despite no obligation for friendlies.