KLOPP INSISTS LIVERPOOL CAN MAINTAIN TITLE CHARGE WITHOUT SALAH

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By Sefiu Ajape

Liverpool’s manager, Jurgen Klopp, is certain his team can continue their Premier League title challenge despite Mohamed Salah’s imminent departure to represent his country in the African Cup of Nations.

Following Liverpool’s Premier League match against Newcastle on Monday, Salah will go to represent Egypt at the African Cup of Nations.

Liverpool is chasing its first EPL title since 2020 and is now two points ahead of Arsenal at the summit.

Salah’s absence could not come at a worse time, as they also play Arsenal in the FA Cup third round and Fulham in the League Cup semi-finals in January.

With 16 goals this season, Salah is Liverpool’s top scorer. However, if Egypt advances deep in the tournament, Klopp might have a difficult time replacing him while he is away in the Ivory Coast, potentially lasting more than a month.

“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,” Klopp told reporters on Friday.

“We came somehow through it, and traditionally, one of them went pretty far in the tournament, which made it worse.”

Klopp will also be without Japan midfielder Wataru Endo while he plays at the Asia Cup at the same time as Salah departs.

“We knew the Africa Cup of Nations from time to time appears and Mo has to go and we have Endo as a participant of the Asia Cup as well, so it is like it is. We have to deal with it and we will,” Klopp said.

“Each long-term plan I could have had depends massively on who is available. We would have solutions today, I hope we have that after the Newcastle game as well.”

The return of Diogo Jota after a month out injured is a boost, as the Portugal international scored a comeback goal against Burnley on Boxing Day.

Because of his versatility, Jota and Cody Gakpo can play anywhere in the forward line, and Harvey Elliott, who is more of a midfielder in Klopp’s style, has filled Salah’s role on the field.

“The return of each of the boys is super-important, but Diogo especially. Everybody was quite positive about our five options, but I don’t think we had it that often, to be honest,” Klopp said.

“Especially with the amount of games we play, it is so important these boys can rotate, and now with Mo and Endo leaving, we need everyone to get back.”

Nevertheless, Andy Robertson, Liverpool left-back, will probably be sidelined for the entirety of January while he heals from a dislocated shoulder.

The Scotland captain, who hasn’t played since October, was supposed to make a comeback next month.

“Robbo still needs more range in his shoulder. Obviously, it was a big surgery, still not even close to team training or whatever,” Klopp said.