Klopp hoping Liverpool can keep Mane, Salah for Chelsea clash

by Staff Reporter

Monday Nov 29, 2021. 10:00

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed that talks are ongoing to ensure Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane will be able to play the key Premier League match against Chelsea in early January before leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Egyptian and Senegalese forwards are set to join up with their national teams for the AFCON in Cameroon, which gets underway on January 9.

FIFA regulations state that the two Reds attackers, along with Chelsea’s Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and Moroccan playmaker Hakim Ziyech, should link up with their respective nations following clashes on the 26th of December, with Chelsea facing Aston Villa and Liverpool playing against Leeds United.

However, Klopp has explained that Liverpool are working behind the scenes to try and delay the departure of Salah and Mane for as long as possible, meaning they 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 remain in England for the New Year, with Mendy particularly vital to the Blues’ defensive structure.