LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Jurgen Klopp has wished Mohamed Salah good luck — type of — for the Africa Cup of Nations match.
Liverpool’s prime scorer this season might be absent for greater than a month relying on how Egypt performs within the Ivory Coast.
If Egypt reaches the ultimate — prefer it did in 2022 — it could imply Salah lacking no less than seven Liverpool video games, probably eight if the Merseyside membership will get previous Arsenal on Sunday within the third spherical of the FA Cup.
Defensive midfielder Wataru Endo can even be out of the lineup for the Premier League chief whereas on worldwide obligation for Japan on the Asian Cup.
“I mentioned ‘If I want you good luck it could be a lie,’” the Liverpool supervisor joked Friday. “No, I do, clearly. From a private viewpoint, I’d be overly pleased in the event that they exit of the group stage. But it surely’s most likely not potential, so it is high-quality after which they’ll go and win it as properly. Good luck, see you, and are available again wholesome — that’s just about the phrases.”
Liverpool managed simply high-quality with out Salah final time, recording 5 wins and one draw whereas he was away. Salah helped Egypt advance to the ultimate, the place they misplaced to Senegal and then-Liverpool teammate Sadio Mané.
Salah has scored 18 objectives throughout all competitions this season. He is the Premier League co-leader — alongside Manchester Metropolis’s Erling Haaland — with 14 objectives. Salah additionally has eight league assists, tied for essentially the most with Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
The Egyptian netted twice in Liverpool’s 4-2 win over Newcastle earlier than heading off for worldwide obligation.
“Do you need to play with out Mo? No. Up to now, we didn’t must do it too typically however we at all times discovered I believe a approach to get by way of this era,” Klopp mentioned.
Versatile ahead Diogo Jota would seem like the probably substitute on the appropriate aspect for Salah. Harvey Elliott is another choice.
Egypt is in a gaggle with Ghana, Cape Verde and Mozambique. Egypt’s ultimate group recreation is Jan. 22.
The match ultimate is Feb. 11 in Abidjan.
INJURY UPDATE
Dominik Szoboszlai has a hamstring harm that may maintain him out of the following two video games, Klopp mentioned. The midfielder was damage within the New 12 months’s Day win over Newcastle.
“Dom could be very optimistic, would not have a variety of ache however now we have to attend a bit of bit,” the supervisor mentioned.
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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
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