Liverpool legend Steve Nicol has backed Divock Origi to lessen the impact of losing both Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane to the Africa Cup of Nations next month.
Salah and Mane will depart for the AFCON after Sunday’s match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The duo, and Naby Keita, will miss the two-legged Carabao Cup semi final against Arsenal and Premier League matches with Brentford and Crystal Palace.
Salah ’s absence will weigh heaviest on Liverpool after the Egyptian has already scored 15 times in the Premier League this season and leads the scoring charts by some way.
READ MORE: Mbappe makes big Salah claim amid Liverpool transfer links
MOTM: Vote for your star Liverpool player in our quick poll here
However, defeat to Leicester City on Tuesday night at the King Power has left the Reds six points adrift of Manchester City in the race for the Premier League title.
Nicol admits the departure of Salah and Mane is a problem for Jurgen Klopp, but he believes Origi can help fill the void, as well as the returning Roberto Firmino who hasn't started a Premier League match since October due to injury.
"Yeah [it's a problem] and they've known that this is coming along," Nicol said on ESPN FC .
"I guess the positive thing is that Firmino is almost 100 per cent, so he'll be able to come in.
*Give us your LFC player ratings:
"No question, your top goal scorer isn't going to be there, 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.
"So yeah, it's a question and Liverpool usually come up with an answer.
"Mr Origi, who usually appears when things seem lost, is going to have to step into the breach and maybe put his two pence in.
"So yeah, it's a problem, but I think Liverpool will get past it."
