Could AFCON force us to sell Mane or Salah?

AFCON 2021 was originally pencilled in for the summer but given climate issues at that time of year in the host country Cameroon, it has been brought forward to January, beginning on the 9th and ending February 6th. That means the worst case scenario (Senegal vs Egypt final) we could lose both Mane and Salah for half a dozen games and what kind of shape do they come back in?

That time of year is when you need your squad the most after the injury laden festive period. Can we really afford to lose Mane, Salah and Keita for that crucial stage of the season?

To that end, if we receive offers upwards of £150 million for Mane or Salah, should we think about cashing in and looking for a replacement? Or maybe if one decides he wants to go, we just aren’t as resistant as we might be otherwise?

The other option is that we make a big signing such as Sancho but will there be enough game time to keep all of them happy? Maybe but where does that leave the squad players?

Many questions but one thing, the AFCON decision definitely does us no favours.