Liverpool face the prospect of being without three key players for a prolonged spell next month when the already delayed African Cup of Nations takes place. 

The Reds are set to lose Naby Keita, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane when the competition gets underway in Cameroon. 

Representing Guinea, Senegal and Egypt respectively, the tournament has come under threat in recent weeks following an upsurge in COVID-19 cases. 

Speaking on talkSPORT (December 20 11:20am) in conversation with journalist Rob Harris, co-host Simon Jordan was strident in his views. 

It’s a massive risk. When you distil it down to the bottom line, it’s absolute madness. They (clubs) cant stop them, they’d have to have the players involved. It’s madness to send players to countries with no testing regime of any significance. 

Harris did state that the possibility of playing fixtures behind closed doors has been raised.

Due to start in 20 days time with 40 Premier League players due to head off, the European Club Association has raised concerns over the wellbeing of participants. 

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Given the fact Jurgen Klopp was without Thiago, Fabinho, Virgil van Dijk and Curtis Jones due to positive tests last week, Liverpool will hope common sense can prevail and perhaps another temporary postponement materialise. 

Key to the side’s success or otherwise, Salah and Mane have directly contributed to a combined 32 league goals this season already. 

Whilst Klopp would be confident of coping without the trio, a busy schedule would be made far easier should AFCON be pushed back again. 

Can Liverpool Cope Without Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah?

Yes

No