Mo Salah at AFCON: When does he play & how to watch on TV?

Mohamed Salah signed off club duties with a brace and an assist as Liverpool beat Newcastle 4-2 on Monday night.

It was an impressive individual display from the 31-year-old, who also missed a first-half penalty, at a rain-drenched Anfield to kick off the New Year.

Now the Premier League's joint-top goalscorer in 2023/24 with 14, the thrilling victory was the last time we'll see Salah in Liverpool red for a while, as he departs Merseyside for the Ivory Coast to take part in the Africa Cup of Nations 2023 (as it's stylised) for Egypt.

Salah could miss up to eight club games due to the tournament, but the actual number will depend on Egypt's progress (and Liverpool's in the FA Cup).

How Jurgen Klopp replaces his main attacking threat remains to be seen, with the Liverpool boss recently admitting he hasn't made one specific plan to deal with his no. 11's absence.

With Salah chasing a maiden international tournament win with Egypt, here's how you can track the winger during AFCON 2023.

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When does Mo Salah play at AFCON?

Egypt have been drawn into Group B of the competition, alongside Cape Verde, Mozambique and continental heavyweights Ghana.

Salah and the Pharaoh's take on Mozambique in the group opener on Sunday, 14 January, while matchday two sees Egypt face Ghana on Thursday, 18 January.

For the finale, Salah and co face Cape Verde on Monday, 22 January.

• Egypt vs Mozambique – 14 January (17:00 GMT)
• Egypt vs Ghana – 18 January (20:00 GMT)
• Egypt vs Cape Verde – 22 January (20:00 GMT)

Before all that, however, Egypt are due to face Tanzania in a pre-tournament friendly on Sunday, 7 January, where Salah could also get a run out.

Should Egypt progress to the knockouts (the top two qualify automatically, while there are spots for the four best third-placed sides), the key dates for Salah watchers to keep in mind are:

• Last 16 – 27-30 January
• Quarter finals – 2-3 February
• Semi finals –  7 February
• Third place playoff – 10 February
• Final – 11 February

Generally ranked as one of the fourth or fifth favourites to lift the crown pre-tournament, Egypt are expected to make at least the quarter finals – and with the Salah factor, anything is possible.

Egypt are AFCON's most successful side historically, having being crowed champions on seven previous occasions – though never with Liverpool's superstar in the squad.

Salah is also ranked among the favourites to be AFCON 2023 top scorer, alongside Nigeria's Victor Osimhen.

How to watch AFCON 2023 on TV

In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports will offer coverage of the tournament.

In the USA, beIN Sports is the official broadcaster, while the games will also be available to stream on fuboTV and Sling TV.

In addition, regardless of where you are in the world, you can find highlights and live streams of Salah's matches on the CAF YouTube channel.