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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has suggested that Diogo Jota could fill the void left by Mohamed Salah when the Egyptian star leaves for the Africa Cup of Nations in January.

Salah, who has scored 16 goals in all competitions this season, will miss several games for the Reds as he represents his country in the continental tournament, which runs from January 9 to February 6.

Liverpool will also lose midfielder Wataru Endo, who will join Japan for the Asian Cup, leaving Klopp with a double dilemma in the middle of a tight title race.

However, Klopp has expressed his confidence in Jota, who has returned from a hamstring injury and scored in the 3-0 win over Burnley on Wednesday.

“Diogo is a very smart footballer, he can play different positions and he has a good understanding with the other players,” Klopp said. “He is a great option for us, especially when Mo is not here.”

Jota, who joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020, has scored nine goals in 15 appearances this season, and has shown his versatility by playing on both wings and as a central striker.

Klopp also ruled out signing a new forward in January to replace Salah, saying that he has no plans for the transfer window and that he trusts his existing squad.

“No, I didn’t think about it to be honest and I can’t change it anyway,” Klopp said. “I have no real plans for it. We have enough players, we have a lot of quality and we have to deal with the situation.”

Liverpool are currently leading the Premier League table with 44 points, one ahead of second-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand.

The Reds will face Newcastle on Monday, before hosting Chelsea on January 2 in a crucial clash for the title race.