Jurgen Klopp affirms that Liverpool will effectively manage Mo Salah’s absence during the Africa Cup of Nations, emphasizing that the team possesses viable alternatives to compensate for his departure.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has addressed concerns over Mo Salah’s absence during the Africa Cup of Nations. He stated that the team will be able to handle it. Salah will participate in Liverpool’s match against Newcastle on New Year’s Day before joining Egypt for the tournament in Ivory Coast. If Egypt reaches the final, Salah could miss up to seven of Liverpool’s upcoming matches.

Klopp assured fans that he has a solution to Salah’s absence but refrained from revealing his plan before the Newcastle match. He fears any potential injuries to his team. Klopp emphasized that his long-term plans depend on the availability of players. It is difficult to predict who will be fit in October when Salah is away.

Liverpool has faced similar situations in the past when both Sadio Mane and Salah were absent. However, they managed to overcome it. Klopp acknowledged that it becomes even more challenging when one of them progresses far in the tournament. Additionally, Liverpool will also lose Wataru Endo to the Asia Cup, which will take place in Qatar from January 12 to February 10.

Despite these challenges, Klopp expressed his confidence in the team’s ability to navigate through this period. Liverpool is currently leading the Premier League table with 42 points, two points ahead of Arsenal. Klopp compared the team’s current position to last season, stating that he is “six-times happier” this time around. However, he acknowledged the injury crisis, with Alexis Mac Allister, Kostas Tsimikas, and Andy Robertson all sidelined.

Klopp emphasized that Liverpool is in the midst of something special. They are doing their best to overcome the obstacles they face. He acknowledged the injuries suffered by other teams but highlighted Liverpool’s ability to find a way to compete in each game despite the setbacks.