Liverpool will decide on Federico Chiesa’s future ahead of January based on how long Mohamed Salah is away with Egypt at the AFCON.

According to Football Insider, Mohamed Salah’s time with Egypt at the AFCON could play a crucial role in determining Federico Chiesa’s immediate future at the club. The Italian winger is widely tipped to leave Liverpool in January amid a lack of game time, as any potential exit may now depend on his 33-year-old club colleague.

Liverpool have had a horrendous season so far, with the club already nine points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal in the title race. Moreover, they have also suffered some key defeats in the Champions League, as the win over West Ham only helped ease some of the pressure on manager Arne Slot.

With the January window fast approaching, there are some key decisions to be made concerning player futures. Chief among those is Federico Chiesa, who could be sold amid reports of his unhappiness following a lack of game time under Slot.

Despite making some bright and important appearances off the bench, Chiesa has been largely relegated to the bench and only used in situations when Liverpool needs to salvage something in a game. The 28-year-old Liverpool ace’s confidence is affected by the lack of trust and action on the pitch, which could lead to his departure in January.

As many as four Serie A clubs are interested in signing Chiesa in January, as a return to Italy could be on the cards for the 28-year-old Liverpool ace. Any move will also depend on the asking price placed on him, as the Merseysiders will certainly see a business value in the winger, as they will have a chance to make a good profit from his sale. Although that may not be the only obstacle in Chiesa’s bid to leave Liverpool.

Federico Chiesa’s future is dependent on Mohamed Salah?

Mohamed Salah is another one having a bad season, and now, he will miss a chunk of the action as he travels with Egypt for the AFCON. Liverpool are not eager to weaken their squad with the sale of Chiesa, especially with Salah away at AFCON, as any sale of the 28-year-old Italian might depend on how many games his 33-year-old club colleague misses owing to his international duties.

Liverpool have been in talks for Antoine Semenyo, and before the Bournemouth star’s release clause became public knowledge, they had no intention of selling Chiesa. There’s still a chance that Semenyo does not leave in January, in which case the club may be forced to keep hold of Chiesa for the time being, although should the Cherries star become available, they could sell irrespective of when Salah returns from his AFCON duties.