"I’ve heard that so often that there’s no international break until March, In January, there’s a little tournament in Africa..." said a certain Jürgen Klopp. The outrage that followed later forced him to justify the seemingly misinterpreted statement. Despite trying his best not to belittle Africa's most prestigious international tournament, Klopp did little to hide his disdain at AFCON 2021 being held mid-season.
Since the summer of 2017, Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah have consistently been 2 of Liverpool's best players. The 2 main goalscorers of an ultra-attacking Reds team, the African duo have won the team every trophy possible.
This season has been no different, with the Mané-Salah duo contributing 32 goals in 19 games, a staggering 64% of the team's total goal output so far. Mohamed Salah alone has contributed 24 goals, or 48% of the total. These contributions currently ensure Liverpool are firmly in the title hunt.
Taking both these players away for a month doesn't bode well for Liverpool , especially given the lack of equally productive backup attackers at the club. During such a crucial point of the season with run-ins against Chelsea, Brentford and Crystal Palace scheduled during the AFCON, Liverpool need Mané and Salah in order to stay competitive at the summit of the table.
Then there's the small matter of Naby Keïta also being unavailable. The Guinean, when fit, has been a dynamic presence in midfield. When Klopp decided against signing a replacement for the departed Gini Wijnaldum in the summer, he surely had Naby in mind. His unavailability further thins the squad depth options in midfield.
There are rumors that Liverpool will sign reinforcements in midfield and forward areas during the January transfer window. Given the situation right now, Klopp does need new faces in the winter window or risk seeing their title hopes take a serious dent. The fans hope that the African trio can return to Melwood in good shape, and also that the gaffer knows how to keep standards up in their absence.