Liverpool currently have to compete without Mo Salah and Wataru Endo, who are absent on international commitments to Egypt and Japan respectively, as they both chase continental glory.
The Reds’ number 11 hopes to inspire the Pharaohs to win the first African Cup of Nations (AFCON) since 2010, while the midfielder aims to win the Asian Cup with the Blue Samurai.
While they wait patiently for their club’s next game (Bournemouth away on January 21), LFC fans can follow the fortunes of their absent duo abroad.
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Here are the dates and times of the matches Salah and Endo will be participating in this month (and potentially beyond):
When to see Salah and Egypt in action
v Mozambique (14 January, 17:00 UK time) v Ghana (18 January, 20:00 UK time) v Cape Verde (22 January, 20:00 UK time)
Egypt will begin their Group B campaign on Sunday night against the lowest seeds they will face, followed by a heavyweight clash against Ghana next Thursday night. They finish their group with a matchup against Cape Verde on Monday week.
If the group progresses as expected, these are the dates on which they could be in action:
Round of 16: Saturday, January 27 to Monday, January 29, start at 5:00 pm or 8:00 pm Quarterfinals: Friday, February 2 or Saturday, February 3, start at 5:00 pm or 8:00 pm Semifinals: Wednesday, February 7, start at 5:00 pm or 8:00 pm. Elimination or final for third place: Saturday, February 10 or Sunday, February 11 (both at 8:00 p.m.)
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When to see Endo and Japan in action
v Vietnam (January 14, 11:30am UK time) v Iraq (January 19, 11:30am UK time) v Indonesia (January 24, 11:30am UK time)
Japan’s Group D campaign begins on Sunday morning against Vietnam, but Endo will have an extra day between matches compared to Salah and Egypt.
The Samurai Blue will face Iraq next Friday and will close the group against Indonesia on Wednesday the 24th, the same day that Liverpool will face Fulham in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
If they meet expectations and advance in the group, these are the dates they could be in action:
Round of 16: Sunday 28/Monday 29/Wednesday 31 January, start 11:30am or 4pm UK time Quarter-finals: Friday 2nd or Saturday 3rd February, start 11:30am or 3:30pm UK time Semi-Finals: Tuesday 6th or Wednesday 7th February, kick-off at 3:00pm UK time. Final: Saturday February 10 at 3:00 pm (Liverpool plays Burnley at the same time that day)
Which Liverpool games will Salah and Endo miss (and which could they miss)?
Depending on how far Egypt and Japan advance in the AFCON and Asian Cup respectively (both are among the favorites ahead of the tournament), Salah and Endo could miss just three more Liverpool games or potentially as many as seven.
The duo will definitely be absent for the Premier League trip to Bournemouth on the 21st of this month, as well as the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals at Fulham three days later and the FA Cup fourth-round tie in home against Norwich or Bristol Rovers. on January 28.
If one or both nations advance from their groups (as is highly likely), both Reds players could miss these games for their club:
January 31 (Chelsea, Premier League) if Egypt and/or Japan reach the round of 16 February 4 (Arsenal, Premier League) if Egypt and/or Japan reach the quarter-finals February 7 (possible repeat of the fourth round of the FA Cup if necessary) if Egypt and/or Japan reach the semi-finals on February 10 (Burnley, Premier League) if Japan reach the final of the Asian Cup and Egypt reach the semi-finals of the AFCON.
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