“It would have to be a lie” — Klopp on what he told Salah

Liverpool’s stellar season faces a challenge as Mohamed Salah and Wataru Endo head off for international duty, leaving Jurgen Klopp with strategic reshuffling for upcoming crucial matches.

The Reds, currently leading the Premier League standings by three points over Aston Villa, have thrived on Salah’s exceptional form, contributing 14 goals and 8 assists in 20 Premier League appearances.

However, Salah’s absence looms as Egypt gears up for AFCON clashes against Mozambique, Ghana, and Cape Verde, while Endo represents Japan, leaving Liverpool without key players for the FA Cup clash against Arsenal and subsequent fixtures.

Should Egypt advance to the final, Salah’s return to Liverpool might be delayed until at least February 17, aligning with Endo’s potential absence if Japan follows suit in the Asian Cup.

Expressing his whimsical support to his departing players, Klopp quipped,

“I said if I wish them good luck it would be a lie. Hopefully, they are out in the group stages but it’s not likely possible. Good luck and hopefully, they can come back healthy. I am pretty positive we will find a way [to replace them] but we have to show that.”

Klopp acknowledged the challenge of replacing Salah, stating,

“Do we want to play without Mo? No. But we will find a way. Of course, we play Arsenal and we can lose with Mo Salah but at the moment we have a chance to win the game, so we think about that.”

He mentioned utilizing Harvey Elliott and exploring defensive options to fill the void on the right flank left by Salah’s absence but acknowledged that replicating Salah’s impact might be impossible.