Liverpool's solution to Mo Salah's AFCON problem is obvious

Arne Slot faces the challenge of covering Mohamed Salah's absence during the African Cup of Nations in December and January. Federico Chiesa, a natural right-winger, is rarely available due to competition with Salah and frequent injuries.

Jeremie Frimpong emerges as a potential solution, given his experience playing in an advanced right wing-back role at Leverkusen, where he contributed to 14 goals last season. However, Liverpool's heavy spending means more options might be needed.

An alternative solution involves retaining Harvey Elliott this summer and giving him a significantly expanded role by managing Salah's minutes. Despite Salah's exceptional 57 goal contributions last season (his best campaign), his age (33) suggests a potential decline is inevitable, making reduced playing time sensible.

Liverpool is likely to keep Elliott, as offers for him have fallen short of his market value and he is currently reviewing his situation. Keeping him would bolster an already deep midfield pool including Bajcetic, Endo, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones, Szoboszlai, and Wirtz.

Elliott could help Frimpong cover Salah during AFCON. A successful season would also increase Elliott's market value for potential future transfers. Furthermore, Elliott fulfills the homegrown player quota requirement for Liverpool.