AFCON: Jurgen Klopp Speaks on How Liverpool Will Cope without Mohamed Salah

• Jurgen Klopp admitted Liverpool would find it difficult to cope without Mohamed Salah
• Salah will miss several games for his club as he takes part in the African Cup of Nations
• The Egyptian could miss as many as eight games, depending on how far Egypt goes in the competition

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has spoken on how his side will cope in the absence of Mohamed Salah ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Salah is sure to miss at least four games for Liverpool as Egypt’s group games on the Ivory Coast run from January 14 to January 22.

However, if Egypt has a stellar campaign at the AFCON, Salah could miss as many as eight games for Liverpool.

The Reds are one of the strongest teams in the Premier League this season and sit top of the table after 19 games.

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This can largely be attributed to Salah, who, according to the Premier League website, is second in the Golden Boot race with 12 goals.

The 31-year-old’s absence will likely give an edge to other title contenders, Manchester City and Arsenal, whose respective attacks will not be affected by the African spectacle.

Klopp’s take on Salah’s absence

In his latest press conference, Klopp refused to give too much away when asked about Salah’s potential replacement when the Egyptian is out playing in the AFCON.

“Each long-term plan I could have had depends massively on who is available, so why should I think in October who I can use when Mo is away when I have no clue who is available?” Klopp said as quoted on Liverpool Echo.

“We would have solutions today, I hope we have that after the Newcastle game as well.

“It is not the first time, it is a really at least very average situation that you lose your goalscorer but we had it even worse in the past when Sadio [Mane] and Mo left and we came somehow through it.”

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Klopp also spoke on his side’s title chances, as he joked he was ‘six times happier’ than he was at the same stage last season, when Liverpool were languishing in sixth place.

He, however, also highlighted the fact that injuries have been an issue for Liverpool and could be the difference between success and failure in the league.

The latest Liverpool player to be sidelined for the long term is Kostas Tsimikas, who suffered a fractured collarbone in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal.

Alexis Mac Allister is out with a knee injury, while Andy Robertson is racing against time to recover from a shoulder injury.

All the games Salah could miss

Sports Brief also reported on the number of games Mohamed Salah could miss due to AFCON.

If Egypt goes all the way in the competition, Salah could miss crucial games against Arsenal and Chelsea.

The Reds will be in league and cup action in January and February 2024, and Salah’s absence will undoubtedly be felt.