Jurgen Klopp reveals exactly when he wants Mohamed Salah knocked out of AFCON as Liverpool boss gives honest press conference answer that might upset Egypt fans

Egypt's journey in Africa's continental tournament, which is set to be held this year in the Ivory Coast, kicks off on January 14 against Mozambique. Due to Salah's participation in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, the forward could potentially miss eight games for Liverpool, including a blockbuster clash with Arsenal in the FA Cup this Saturday. His absence may derail the Reds' title ambitions on multiple fronts and Klopp expressed that it would be disingenuous for him to wish the forward and Wataru Endo good luck ahead of their participation in the AFCON and Asian Cup, respectively.

Speaking to reporters, Klopp said: "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."

With Salah gone, Klopp faces the challenge of reshuffling his squad before hosting Arsenal. But the former Borussia Dortmund manager kept his cards close to his chest when quizzed about the potential replacement and change in strategy to cope with the absence of a key player.

“Not a lot. I think we played against West Ham with Harvey there and we have different defensive options. Other players can play on the wing but maybe not like Mo, it’s not possible," he said.

"We use the boys and their skills and that is the idea behind it. Do we want to play without Mo? No. But we will find a way but 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.”

If Liverpool brush aside Arsenal in the FA Cup, then a fourth-round date on January 27 will take place without Salah in the squad. Klopp would also miss his services against Chelsea and the Gunners in the first week of February if Egypt go deep into the tournament.

Salah fell agonisingly short of lifting the AFCON trophy after a shoot-out loss to Senegal in the final a year ago after he chose to save himself for the vital fifth penalty. He will be geared up to make amends for that earlier loss by once again propelling Egypt to the summit clash which is slated for February 11.