Liverpool forward Sadio Mane has claimed that his club will cope without him when he leaves for the Africa Cup of Nations next month.
The Reds' eight-goal leading scorer has only three league matches left before he joins up with Senegal for the tournament in Gabon.
Mane will be away until at least January 23, but could potentially be unavailable until February 5, when the final of the competition takes place.
"It will not be easy for me to go with Senegal next month," Mane told Sky Sports News. "I would love to carry on playing with my teammates and help my team but I think they will understand because it is my country and it is my dream.
"I will be wishing them good luck but without me the team will be the same. Even better I think. They will cope. Coutinho will come back. Matip will come back and Sturridge is back now. That is why the team will be strong [while I am away]."
Mane will miss the league matches against Manchester United and Swansea City, a two-legged EFL Cup semi-final against Southampton, and the start of their FA Cup campaign.
Giuseppe Labellarte
