Liverpool legend Steve Nicol has backed Roberto Firmino and Divock Origi to step up for the Reds when Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane depart in January for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking on ESPN FC, the Anfield icon claimed that the attacking duo have what it takes to replace the Liverpool stars, who have been key to the club’s impressive form this season.
Salah and Mane will be missing for virtually all of January as well as parts of February as the duo take part in AFCON, with Egypt and Senegal two nations who have historically done well in the competition.
The departure of the two players will be massive for Liverpool, with the pair set to miss the League Cup semi-finals against Arsenal as well as Premier League matches against the likes of Brentford and Crystal Palace.
Yet for Nicol, the Anfield legend believes that Firmino and Origi have what it takes to step up in the absence of Salah and Mane over January and parts of February.
Nicol backs duo to impress without Salah and Mane
The former New England Revolution manager said when asked if the pair can step up: “No question.
“Your top goalscorer isn’t going to be there, and your other player in Mane, who’s been struggling, isn’t going to be there, who you expect at some stage to start scoring again.
Nicol added: “Origi [and Firmino], who usually appear when things seem lost, are going to have to step up into the breach and maybe put their two pence in.
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