Pep Lijnders is adamant Liverpool are not worried by the departure of their Africa Cup of Nations trio – as he urged the trio to win the tournament.
Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane both scored in the 2-2 Premier League draw at Chelsea on Sunday in which Naby Keita emerged as a substitute in the second half.
All three will now jet off to Cameroon to represent their respective nations and will miss a number of games for the Reds, including the Premier League games at home to Brentford and away to Crystal Palace, both legs of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal and Sunday’s FA Cup third round tie at home to Shrewsbury Town.
But while convinced Liverpool have sufficient options to cope with the absence of the triumvirate, Lijnders admits a number of missing players aren’t guaranteed an imminent return.
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“You can try to plan it but you can never prepare it,” said the Reds assistant manager.
“It’s not a worry because we have faith in the boys we have. A few boys are coming back as well and certain players can play more offensively.
“I just told Naby, Mo and Sadio that they should try to win the AFCON because it’s a prize to catch.
“Careers are never long and they deserve to fight for each prize. This prize comes in front of them now and it’s a tournament with so much passion.
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“It’s a really proud situation if you can play for your country. They are African legends and are legends to me, and if they win it they will be more of a legend. They should try everything they have to win it.”
As well as Mane, Salah and Keita, Liverpool trio Alisson Becker, Roberto Firmino and Joel Matip will remain absent for Thursday’s Carabao Cup tie at Arsenal as they continue to isolate after a positive coronavirus test, while boss Jurgen Klopp is in a similar position.
Thiago Alcantara is also out injured and Divock Origi has been sidelined for a month with a knee problem, although the Reds are hopeful Takumi Minamino will return while Andy Robertson is back after suspension.
And Lijnders added: “Some of the boys are trying to be back but still haven’t started team training. We will see."
