Liverpool are getting ready to lose three of their flagship early next year

Liverpool will fight without three of its flagship stars; Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita, in early 2021.

Because the three are certain to return to their respective countries to strengthen the national team at the African Nations Cup (AFCON) next year.

The biennial event was held for the first time in history at the start of the season or in the middle of last year. It was quite a relief for clubs in England.

Previously, they were forced to release their players for international duty in the midst of domestic competition, where Mane missed seven games in the 2016/17 season, when he had to defend the Senegalese national team in a tournament held in Gabon.

However, last year's tournament was held in June and July, in which Salah, Mane and Keita had to return early and take part in the preseason with the Reds, even though Keita was declared injured.

But now, Jurgen Klopp's squad can return to fight without the three stars, after the African Football Confederation (CAF) is expected to return to holding the AFCON in the winter or early in 2021.

According to a BBC Sport report reported by thisisAnfield.com, talks about plans to return the AFCON schedule to the beginning of the year or mid-season are currently underway. Provisional estimates, even then the tournament schedule 'possibility' will change back to the original schedule.

The reason is because in June and July there is heavy rainfall in the African continent, including Cameroon, which will be the location of AFCON 2021. "June and July will be the rainy season in Cameroon, besides the possibility that the AFCON schedule will clash with the 2021 Club World Cup which new.

"For this reason, it seems likely that AFCON will be back next year in January and February," the review continued.

The next Club World Cup schedule is planned to be held in China from June 17 to July 4, where this schedule will clash with the AFCON's original plan if it continues to be held in the middle of the year.

Loading...

Subscribe to receive free email updates: