Injury Turned Turning Point: How Salah’s AFCON Spotlight Could Save His Liverpool Future

Impact on Liverpool's lineup

A forced absence has turned into a fresh chance for Mohamed Salah to prove himself at Anfield, as it was confirmed today that right-back Connor Bradley will miss the rest of the season, prompting a rethink of both attack and defense.

According to an analysis published by Rousing The Kop, Bradley's injury extends beyond a defensive hiccup; it reshapes Liverpool's attacking balance, especially while Salah is with Egypt at AFCON.

The piece notes that manager Arne Slot had relied on Jeremie Frimpong in the right-wing role during Salah's absence, but Bradley's setback will likely flip the script, with Frimpong returning to his natural right-back position to fill the large gap.

AFCON momentum and squad decisions

Practically, this tactical shift suggests that Salah's presence as a winger will fade and Salah will reclaim his central role when he returns from AFCON, reducing any prospect of a mid-season exit.

The article also points to Alexander Isak's leg fracture, which could keep him out for the rest of the season, placing Liverpool in a tight numerical bind and making the club reluctant to part with Salah at this crucial moment.

Earlier, Salah had drifted from the starting XI amid tensions with the coaching staff and was linked with moves to the Saudi Pro League and MLS.

The Egyptian star is thriving at AFCON, having steered his country to the semi-finals after scoring once and assisting another in a 3-2 win over Ivory Coast, lifting his tally to four goals and second place in the tournament's scoring chart behind Ibrahim Diaz.

Punchline 1: If injuries keep stacking up, Klopp will invent the 'defensive forward'—Salah standing there with a smile and a ball.

Punchline 2: When life closes a door, Salah opens a window—with a perfect cross.