Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has been handed a major boost after Mohamed Salah was reportedly left out of Egypt’s squad for their upcoming international fixtures. The 32-year-old will stay at home during the two-week period after he was granted a rest from the national team camp by coach Hossam Hassan.

Egypt face an away trip to Cape Verde on November 15 in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group before hosting Botswana four days later on November 19.

If he had been called up, Salah would have had only three days to make the 3,782-mile trip back home to Liverpool and train ahead of their clash with Southampton on November 24.

But Egypt coach Hassan has opted to give his captain a rest from their upcoming November international fixtures, according to local outlet Al-Sharouk.

The Pharaohs have already qualified for the AFCON tournament next year and they are keen to ensure Salah does not suffer any injury on their watch in their remaining fixtures.

Hassan took a similar precaution when Egypt faced Mauritania during the October international break. The game would have been played on an artificial pitch, heightening the risk of a potential injury.

But Slot can rest easy knowing his star man will be allowed to rest during the international break and train as normal, with a reduced risk of injury and no potential fatigue from travelling.

That will be crucial for the Reds, who face Manchester City and Real Madrid over the space of four days in what could prove to be a defining week in their season.

Slot has guided the Reds to the summit of the Premier League with eight wins from their opening 10 matches, taking a two-point lead over champions City.

The two teams meet for the first time on December 1 at the Etihad Stadium in what has been billed as a huge fixture in the title race between Slot’s men and Pep Guardiola‘s side.

But the fixture comes just days after the Reds welcome Champions League holders Real Madrid to Anfield, having won all four of their European games so far.

Having Salah available will be vital to their efforts on both fronts after bagging eight goals and nine assists in all competitions so far this season, and Slot believes his electric form proves he is showing no signs of decline.

“There is no reason at the moment to think that he is dropping in terms of level,” Slot said. “That’s not what you see when you look at his numbers or what you see when he plays.”

He added: “I don’t know what the future brings but I do know Mo is in a very good place.”