Heartbreak for Chelsea As Liverpool Handed Major Boost for Premier League Clash Against Blues

• Liverpool are billed to take on Chelsea at the Stamford Bridge on January 2, which comes seven days before AFCON 2022 kicks off
• The Reds have reportedly reached an agreement with the Egyptian FA to get Mohamed Salah released right after that match
• There are concerns over Salah’s availability for the encounter, but that seems to have been to bed as the player will be available

Premier League club Liverpool have sealed an agreement with the Egyptian FA over the late release of Mohamed Salah seven days before Africa Cup of Nations kicks off.

The 29-year-old is billed to miss the encounter due to the AFCON tournament, but the Egyptian FA has reportedly agreed for Liverpool player to be released after their game against the Blues.

The Pharaohs of Egypt begin their quest for their eight continental title against Nigeria on January 11, which comes just nine days after the Reds’ trip to Stamford Bridge.

Big Tension As January 2022 AFCON Could Be Cancelled As Heartbreaking Reason Emerges

Football

Mirror are reporting that the Reds have now agreed with the player’s national team to see him get released immediately after the game against Thomas Tuchel’s men.

And so the prolific winger will be available to Jurgen Klopp for what could be a vital fixture in the Premier League title race.

It remains to be seen whether Sadio Mane and Naby Keita will be afforded the same luxury by the Senegalese and Guinean footballing authorities respectively.

Vieira calls for respect for AFCON

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira has called for the respect of the Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

Vieira made the call amid controversy surrounding the release of Premier League stars for the continental showpiece.

A number of European clubs are believed to be unwilling to let African players participate in the tournament, with some calling for its postponement or even cancellation.

AFCON Organisers Make Crucial Decision About 2022 Edition Amid Cancellation Claims

Football

Only recently the European Clubs Association (ECA) threatened not to allow players leave for the Cameroon edition of the tournament, citing health concerns sparked by the emergence of the Omicron variant.

Vieira believes the AFCON is as important as the European Championship and there is every need for the competition to be respected.

Napoli threatens Osimhen’s availability for AFCON

Sports Brief earlier reported that Nigeria’s chances of having top striker Victor Osimhen available for next year’s African Cup of Nations is now in serious doubt as Napoli has threatened to take legal actions if the striker is called up for the tournament in Cameroon.

Osimhen who is still recovering from a horrific head injury after fracturing his cheekbone in a nasty clash of heads with Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar has declared himself fit for the AFCON as he returned to training last week.