An annoying January beckons as Liverpool brace for poorly-timed continental competition

Liverpool could be without Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita in January thanks to AFCON

According to The Athletic (h/t Liverpool Echo), Liverpool stars Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita

could miss up to eight games due to AFCON rules. The trio look set to represent Egypt, Senegal and Guinea respectively in the African Cup of Nations.

FIFA rules explain that “players must be released and start travel to their representative team no later than Monday morning the week preceding the week when the relevant final competition starts.”

The Liverpool stars could miss up to eight games constituting six Premier League matches and potentially two FA Cup games. They could be set to leave on 27 December to play for their respective countries.

With Salah and Mane potentially out, the Reds will be hard-pressed in attack until they return. Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino would be their only solid options in this case.

Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi are available but they have both been rather inconsistent to be considered as reliable options. Just how Klopp will handle his resources in that timespan could determine what Liverpool achieve in the season.

It is claimed that since the majority of countries does not play till 10th-12th January, English teams could argue Monday, January 3rd would be a reasonable departure date. However, it has since been released that no exceptions will be made.

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With a big game against Chelsea to come on January 2, Liverpool will hope they can get through the game unscathed. A poor run of form last season in January and February saw them drop the ball in the title race.

Just how well they cope this season remains to be seen.