Former Arsenal star Lauren has warned Liverpool that they could start next season without Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.
Both attackers were important members of the Liverpool side that won the Champions League this season.
Salah and Mane ended the Premier League campaign as the highest goalscorers (tied with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang). The pair also participated in the World Cup and will play in the Africa Cup of Nations for their respective teams.
Egypt hosts the tournament and the pair of Liverpool stars could be busy until 19th July, which is the date for the final.
Liverpool play Manchester City in the Community Shield a couple of weeks later, and Lauren told Bwin (h/t Liverpool Echo) that the attackers will need to rest:
“Whatever happens, Liverpool will need to start the season without Salah and Mane, as they will need a good couple of weeks to rest and recuperate.
“Otherwise their level will drop during the season. Players will be mentally and physically exhausted and will need a few weeks to recuperate before heading into the new Premier League season.”
The former Arsenal star added that the performance levels of the pair would be affected if they did not get proper rest, and he backed Senegal and Egypt to feature in the latter stages of the AFCON.
Lauren won a couple of AFCON titles and lifted the Premier League with Arsenal, however, the tournament was normally played in the winter window.
The Reds have some of the best players in the world and we need them fresh once the next season starts.
Mane and Salah need a couple of weeks to rest up before they train with the team, and hopefully, they fire on all cylinders next season.
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