Gary Neville admits Mohamed Salah’s absence will “damage” Liverpool but believes they can still challenge for the Premier League title when he returns.
Salah could miss Liverpool’s next four games after being called up to Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations squad. His side are among the favorites to reach the final on February 11 and could miss games against Bournemouth, Chelsea, Arsenal and Burnley. The 31-year-old proved his importance once again with a brace in Monday’s 4-2 win. Beat Newcastle and cement Liverpool’s lead at the top. And Neville believes Salah’s return will allow him to challenge for a second title if he can stay in the competition next month.
Before the game, I played at Liverpool with three world-class players, Alisson (Virgil) Van Dijk and Salah.” Neville told Sky Sports: “Van Dijk is back to his best form in the last couple of months, Liverpool are defending well, keeping a good share and Alisson is the best goalkeeper in the world. “They have someone who puts up numbers in a huge area and is very consistent.
Offered annually. It is truly amazing. If they can keep up with the three, their chances are good, but Salah being out for a month will be a blow for them. They still need him to top the league in the title race next month. That way, they can give Mo Salah a chance to make a comeback. Then they will really start fighting for the title. Liverpool are not the only side to have lost first team players due to participation in the AFCON and Asian Cup this month.
The latter is Wataru Endo, who plays for Japan. All but Manchester City were absent, with Son Heung-min and Takehiro Tomiyasu heading to Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal respectively.
