Mohamed Salah: Klopp assures Liverpool will cope without AFCON-bound topscorer

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp with his main man Mohamed Salah. (Photo Credit: Imago)

Mohamed Salah: Klopp assures Liverpool will cope without AFCON-bound topscorer

Izuchukwu Akawor 12:18 - 30.12.2023

Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool are prepared for the departure of Mohamed Salah and Wataru Endo next month.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has assured fans that the club is ready for the imminent departure of talented duo Mohamed Salah and Wataru Endo

Mo Salah and Endo are expected to leave the club early next month for the African Cup of Nations, AFCON, and Asian Cup with Egypt and Japan respectively.

Klopp speaks on Mo Salah

Ahead of the AFCON2023 slated for January in the West African country of Cote d’Ivoire, Klopp has reacted to Salah’s impending departure for the tournament.

According to a Guardian report, the German tactician has confirmed that Salah will play his last game for the Kops before joining Egypt against Newcastle United on New Year’s Day.

Salah in action against Man City || Credit: NBC Sports

Despite the importance of Salah to the team, the former Borussia Dortmund boss says Liverpool are used to the situation from past experience and will be fine without the legendary Pharoah. 

“It’s a really average situation that you lose your goalscorer but we had it even worse in the past when Sadio [Mané] and Mo left and we somehow came through it,” said Klopp. 

Jurgen Klopps says Liverpool are used to Salah leaving for AFCON.
Jurgen Klopps says Liverpool are used to Salah leaving for AFCON.

“Traditionally, one of them at least went really far in the tournament, which made it even worse. So we have to get through this.

“We knew from time to time Africa Cup of Nations appears and Mo has to go and that was always clear. Now with Endo, we have a participant in the Asian Cup as well. We’ll deal with it.”

Liverpool attacker Diogo Jota has returned to fitness and will help the club cope in Salah's absence.
Liverpool attacker Diogo Jota has returned to fitness and will help the club cope in Salah's absence.

Klopp also noted that the return to fitness of Portuguese star, Diogo Jota, was important and a huge boost given the expected departures.

“Super-important, the return of each of the boys is super-important but Diogo especially,” he added. Everybody was quite positive about our five options, but I don’t think we had it that often to be quite honest. But now with Mo leaving and Endo leaving, we need everyone to be back.”

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Jota made his return with a goal in the 2-0 win against Burnley after a month out with a hamstring. Mo Salah will hope to help Liverpool, who sit top of the PL table, extend their lead before he leaves.

Liverpool currently lead Arsenal by two points but face a difficult game against Newcastle United at Anfield on new year day.

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