Jurgen Klopp has revealed Liverpool are in talks to ensure Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane can be available for the game against Chelsea before leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The prolific forwards are due to take part in the mid-season tournament in the New Year whilst the Blues will lose Moroccan playmaker Hakim Ziyech as well as goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who plays alongside Mane for Senegal.
FIFA regulations state that the aforementioned quartet should link up with their respective nations following Boxing Day clashes, with Chelsea facing Aston Villa at Villa Park and Liverpool playing against Leeds United.
However, Reds boss Klopp has claimed that the club are working behind the scenes to try and delay their departure for as long as possible, meaning Mane and Salah could travel to face the Blues at Stamford Bridge on January 2.
When asked if he knows whether the duo will be available for that match, the German said: "Not really, it's early for that.
"We're still talking."
The former Borussia Dortmund boss let out a big laugh when asked if he hopes the club can find a solution before simply saying: "Yes."
Similarly, Chelsea will be hoping that both Ziyech and Mendy are able to play for them until the turn of the year, with the latter especially one of the biggest reasons that Thomas Tuchel's side currently sit top of the Premier League table.
The commanding shot-stopper has conceded just five goals in 16 outings across all competitions so far this season, registering a whopping 93.8% save percentage in the league this term.
