Liverpool are set to lose Mohamed Salah as Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) which starts on January 13th until February 11th 2024
The club’s top scorer departs for the Africa Cup of Nations following the New Year’s Day clash with Newcastle United, and depending on how successful Egypt are the Liverpool winger could miss up to seven games across all competitions before the tournament finishes in February.
Klopp insisted that they have to deal with the absence of Mohammed Salah and points out that there have been much worse situations in the past,
“Each long-term plan I could have had depends massively on who is available, so why should I plan for Mo being away in October when I don’t know who is available?” said Klopp.
“It’s not the first time, it’s an average thing losing your goalscorer but we had it in the past with Sadio and Mo and we got through it. “We knew that AFCON appears from time to time that Mo has to go.
“We have to deal with it.”
While Liverpool will have to do without Salah from onwards, they have recovered another option in attack.
Diogo Jota made a return from injury as a substitute the late kick-off on Boxing Day against Burnley and sealed the 2-0 win scoring the second goal to send Liverpool top of the Premier League.
Klopp was asked about Jota’s finishing ability and said:
“The return of each of the boys is super important, but Diogo especially.
“So important that these boys can rotate between them.
“With Mo leaving and Endo leaving we need everyone to get back.
“We just have to make sure we always find a way to line the team up and have an idea how we want to play.
“He is a very smart footballer, he understands the game particularly well.
“It gives him a chance to see situations slightly earlier and adapt to things opponents are doing slightly quicker.”
There’s plenty of options available for Klopp at his disposal and its definitely different to previous seasons after losing both Sadio Mane and Mohammed Salah but this season they have some very good options to fill the void.
Klopp insisted: “They all can score, the goal from Darwin was an exceptional goal.
“We need these boys, we need Diogo, and believe it or not if you are a Liverpool player you must be a special player.”
