Alan Shearer has stated that Liverpool’s ‘biggest worry’ is losing Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane to the Africa Cup of Nations, as he told BBC Sport.
The former striker added that if the Liverpool duo are to depart for Cameroon next month, then it will also be a ‘boost’ for their rivals in the Premier League title race.
There are question marks over whether the Africa Cup of Nations will take place in January, as Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe has stated that it will go ahead, as posted by Sky Sports.
If that’s the case, then both Salah and Mane will miss two games each as they represent Egypt and Senegal, respectively.
Compared with Manchester City and Chelsea, it’s obvious that those on Merseyside will be hurt most by their star men’s absence.
Shearer thinks that small window of time Salah and Mane could be missing for, could prove to be the difference in their quest to win the Premier League title.
“Liverpool also lost some key players to Covid last week,” said Shearer. “But their biggest worry is probably how they will cope in January when Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are away with Egypt and Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations.
“If that tournament goes ahead, Salah and Mane might only end up missing two league games each – but it could be three or four. In a title race this tight, that could be enough to cost Jurgen Klopp’s side the big prize.
“We are talking about two of his star players, who can and will change games by scoring goals, being away for up to a month.
“Salah, in particular, is capable of magic at any moment. For me, he is the best in the world right now – not just the best goalscorer, but the best player full stop.
“So, of course, his absence is going to be a loss to Liverpool and a boost to their rivals, although Klopp still has plenty of firepower to call on in Diogo Jota, Robert Firmino, Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino.”
Recent history suggests that this title race will go down right to the wire, and dare it be said, goal difference might also come into it.
Aside from last season, when Liverpool had injury woe at the back, both Manchester City and Liverpool pushed each other to the limit in the race for the main crown.
And it might just happen again as Pep Guardiola’s side are three points ahead of their rivals in the table.
It was a positive weekend of football for those in Manchester because the Reds dropped points at Tottenham, whilst Chelsea were held to a goalless draw against Wolves.
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