Mohamed Salah will play no part in Egypt’s clash with Ghana next month, with the forward instead remaining on Merseyside to be given a rest.
The Reds visit West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday evening before the final international break of 2017 arrives.
Although a number of Liverpool squad members will be off representing their countries, Salah is not going to be one of them.
According to the Liverpool Echo, the 25-year-old will be rested for Egypt’s final World Cup qualifier against Ghana on November 12.
Prior to this news, Salah’s involvement had already been lessened, after a friendly against the United Arab Emirates was cancelled.
Hector Cuper’s decision to leave him out is seen as a reward for his efforts in Egypt’s memorable World Cup qualifying campaign.
Salah’s dramatic double against Congo on October 8 sealed a place in Russia next summer, and with the Ghana match now a dead rubber, his inclusion is not required.
This is a very positive piece of news for Jurgen Klopp, who will now have one of his star men around during the internationals.
It also keeps Liverpool’s flying winger fresh ahead of a relentless winter of action, which is crucial, especially with fellow key players Sadio Mane and Adam Lallana not likely to be fully fit for a while.
This international break should not be as troublesome for Klopp as previous ones, when it comes to important players travelling vast distances.
Both Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino will be based in Europe for Brazil’s friendlies against Japan and England – the Japan game is taking place in France – and Ragnar Klavan is not playing for Estonia.
There will be plenty of involvement still, but it doesn’t feel detrimental to Liverpool’s winter schedule.
Marko Grujic has been called up to Serbia’s senior squad, Danny Ward and Ben Woodburn will represent Wales, and Jordan Henderson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Daniel Sturridge should all feature for England.
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