Chris Kamara delivers title verdict on Liverpool hopes

Former footballer and Sky Sports pundit Chris Kamara has assessed the impact that Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane's AFCON call-ups could have on Liverpool's title hopes this year, as well as giving a general overview on the title race.

The Reds have got a bit of a gap to try and overhaul if they are to win the league this season, with Manchester City currently setting a strong pace out in front.

Indeed, the Reds aren't helped by AFCON coming along at this point in the campaign but we all knew it was on the way, and now the team will have to cope.

Speaking to Sport Review, Kamara gave his thoughts on the battle for the title in this country and also what impact Salah and Mane's temporary absences could have:

"Well, Jurgen Klopp is no mug. He’s one of the best managers that the Premier League has ever had. Look what he’s done at Liverpool, you have to give it to him. In another given era, this Liverpool side would be as good as the old Liverpool side – it just happens to be that the competition this time around is as high as it’s ever been in the Premier League.

"There’s normally one or two teams that you look at. This year there are three teams who you look at and think are head and shoulders above the others. Liverpool are in there, it just happens to be that the playing style Pep has got at Man City at the moment is slightly better than anywhere else, and it suits those players. Football’s not been reinvented, it just happens that it goes through phases. And this phase seems to be Manchester City’s one.

"If Liverpool and Klopp have identified any players that could enhance their squad in January while they lose Salah and Mane, they could still challenge this year."

Anfield Watch Verdict

Liverpool do seem unlikely to sign any players this January transfer window and so we'll have to see what the Reds can do with the footballers that remain available.

The absence of Salah and Mane will be felt but there are players at the club who can step up and take charge and that is what Klopp will be expecting.

Let's see if anyone can use this opportunity to improve their own standing in the squad.