At last, it appears we are making progress. Late on New Year’s Day, Mohamed Salah’s happy face appeared on British television screens. Despite his slightly ruffled appearance suggesting a lack of sleep, he seemed to be in good spirits after his Liverpool team’s victory over Newcastle United. He scored two goals, created one, and even missed a penalty on purpose, adding some drama to the one-sided contest.
However, the jubilation was bittersweet, as it marked the last time Liverpool fans would see Salah in person for several weeks. He was set to join the Egypt national team for the Africa Cup of Nations, not returning to Liverpool until February.
It is natural for fans and soccer enthusiasts to wonder how Salah’s absence might impact the Premier League, but it is only part of the larger picture of how global soccer events are perceived. European soccer tends to dominate the discourse, often diminishing the significance of tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations, which is held every two years and is considered an inconvenience for Premier League teams.
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