Liverpool news: Klopp jokes about Salah and Endo 'going out'

Jurgen Klopp has joked that he is hoping that both Mohamed Salah and Wataru Endo go out in the group stages of their international tournaments this month.

Liverpool will be without both Salah and Endo for the immediate future as they head off to the Africa Cup of Nations and Asian Cup with Egypt and Japan respectively.

Depending on the progress of their nations, the pair could miss up to eight club games across January and February – starting with Sunday's FA Cup third round clash against Arsenal.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Klopp addressed the two untimely absences, joking that he 'would be happy' if Egypt and Japan crashed out in the group stages so his players could return to Merseyside sooner.

"I said if I wish them good luck it would be a lie. No, but I do [wish them luck] obviously," Klopp said smiling.

"From a personal point of view I would be happy if they go out in the group stages but it's probably not possible. So it's fine and they can go and win it as well.

"Good luck, see you and come back healthy.

"I am pretty positive we will find a way [to replace them] but we have to show that on the pitch."

Specifically on how he plans to compensate for Salah's loss in the Liverpool lineup, Klopp added: "I think we played against West Ham without Mo on that side and Harvey played there and we have different offensive options who can play on the wing but not like Mo, it's not possible.

"We have to find another way and we have to use the boys to their skills and that is the idea behind it. Do you want to play without Mo? No. But we always find a way to get through these periods.

"But of course we play Arsenal and we can lose with Mo Salah so it's possible you lose without him, but at the moment we have a chance to win the game, so we think about that."