Liverpool could be without Mohamed Salah for the opening match of the 2021/22 Premier League season as they look to win back the title that looks destined to be won by Manchester City.

Despite their desire to get off to a perfect start, Jurgen Klopp could have to field a side without his top scorer should he choose to represent his country at Tokyo 2020.

Each country is allowed to name three players over the age of 23 to go in search of gold, with Egypt under23 boss Shawky Gharieb openly stating that he wants the Champions League winner alongside him.

That could prove to be a dilemma for the player himself, with the new Premier League season set to get underway on August 14, which would give him seven days to prepare should Egypt reach the final.

Liverpool’s German manager Jurgen Klopp (L) speaks with Liverpool’s Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Salah (R) before the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Fulham at Anfield in Liverpool, North West England on March 7, 2021.

 “I have made it known publicly that I would like to have him with us during our Olympic campaign and he did not refuse, which means he also wants to play with us,’ Gharieb said, as reported by L’Equipe.

“Salah’s participation in the Olympics is supported by the state, represented by the Ministry of Sports and the Egyptian Football Federation, in our joint effort to bring home an Olympic football medal for the first time.”

Mohamed Salah of Egypt during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 Match between Egypt and South Africa at Cairo International Stadium on July 6, 2019 in Cairo, Egypt.

Gharib had previously said: “I included 10 over-age players in the preliminary squad to choose from them in the final list.

“It is not only up to us to decide Salah’s situation in joining the Olympic team as we just called him and are waiting for his decision along with his club.

“There should be an agreement between all parties.”

The gold medal is displayed after the Tokyo 2020 medal design unveiling ceremony during Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games “One Year To Go” ceremony at Tokyo International Forum on July 24, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan.

However, it appears as though Liverpool have no obligation to allow their player to represent his country, as detailed by a FIFA spokesperson back in February of this year.

They said: “The men’s Olympic Football Tournament, as well as all FIFA competitions with age restrictions, are not included in the men’s international match calendar 2018-2024.

“Thus clubs are not under the obligation to release players for the competition.”