Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has simple answer to Reds’ AFCON issue

Klopp previews Liverpool's trip to cross-city rivals Everton

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Liverpool have a great chance of getting their hands back on the Premier League trophy, but many have highlighter their January fixtures as games that could derail their title chances. The Reds will be without Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane as the pair will be at the African Cup of Nations, but Jurgen Klopp may look to youth to prevent a 2022 catastrophe.

The Reds are in a three-horse race with Manchester City and Chelsea for the Premier League title in a season that looks like it could go down to the very wire.

Salah and Mane have been at the forefront of the club’s recent success and the pair have scored 18 goals between them so far this season.

But their absences could be an issue as it will leave Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino, Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino to step up.

And it won’t just be the aforementioned pair that will be out for January, Guinean midfielder Naby Keita will also be away at the African Cup of Nations.

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Of course, Klopp has a strong squad at his disposal already, but the former Borussia Dortmund boss may use the time to give some of his exciting prospects an opportunity to impress.

Upfront, Reds fans will be hoping that 18-year-old Harvey Elliott returns from his injury soon so that he is an option in the final third.

The English winger dislocated his ankle against Leeds earlier this season which sadly concluded a successive run of fixtures where he had impressed whilst being deployed as a no.10.

Liverpool has also been linked with securing the signature of sought after Fulham forward Fabio Carvalho.

The 19-year-old has impressed in the Championship so far this season with four goals and an assist in 10 appearances which has captured the interest of some of Europe’s top clubs, including the Reds according to Eurosport.

And what makes the Fulham academy prospect all the more attractive to potential suitors is his contract situation; his current deal expires in 2022 and The Athletic revealed that the forward rejected an extension offer last month.

Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea have all also been linked with the highly-rated teenager, and Cottagers boss Marco Silva earlier pleaded for the speculation to be put on hold. He told West London Sport: “I’d like to see a talent like Fabio’s with calmness, and not with these rumours around a 19-year-old, because that’s not helpful for him, for sure.

“We have so many examples of this type of thing that happen in the wrong way, and players that disappear.”

“I would not like to see more months and months until the end of the season. But it’s not something that’s in our hands, and not just Fabio’s, but somebody getting behind him, and I can’t control it.

“I (hope) people who are advising him don’t want to get just one shot; one contract and that will be the career of the player.”

In Keita’s absence, there are a plethora of players that Klopp may turn to – although the former RB Leipzig playmaker has yet to consolidate his spot in the starting eleven yet anyway.

James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Thiago Alcantara are all experienced players who sit on the fringes of Klopp’s first team that are more than ready to enter the fray, as are Curtis Jones (20) and Tyler Morton (19).

Jones is currently sidelined with an eye injury which is expected to keep him out for another few weeks, whereas Morton has had a memorable November with debuts in the Premier League and the Champions League.

The pair will both be chomping at the bit to prove that Klopp has the squad depth in midfield that justifies why his side didn’t look for a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum in the summer.

Although inexperienced, the pair have shown that they are mature beyond their years and are both capable of making Reds fans forget about the absence of Keita. After a busy December fixture list, Klopp certainly has several young players who will have big futures at Anfield and will improve for the opportunities they may be gifted.

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