Jurgen Klopp offers Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane update with Liverpool stars expected to return from AFCON final in time for next Premier League clash against Leicester City

Liverpool are set to be given a major boost ahead of their next Premier League match against Leicester City, with Jurgen Klopp giving an update on Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah's return.

The Reds have been without their two star forwards for five games in all competition, soon to be six as they prepare to take on Cardiff City in the FA Cup fourth round - LIVE on talkSPORT.

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The pair's time away from the club has extended until the very end of the Africa Cup of Nations, with the Liverpool teammates set to face each other as opponents in the final between Senegal and Egypt.

The AFCON final will be held in Cameroon on Sunday February 6, but Klopp has revealed the Reds are expecting both stars back just a few days after.

The manager says Salah and Mane will likely be available for the Merseysiders' return to Premier League action against Leicester on Thursday February 10.

Speaking ahead of the FA Cup game, Klopp gave an update on the situation once their participation with their national teams ends.

"I think they will be available for Thursday," he said. "But we will see.

"Whichever one wins will probably fly back to their home country for a celebration - that's how it is.

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"I think by Tuesday or Wednesday, at the latest, the winner will be back and the other one probably slightly earlier.

"I have to talk to them, I don't know, but if they have one thing it's rhythm, because they've played quite a few games."

Klopp also revealed his pride for both players, and all the Liverpool men involved in the tournament in Cameroon, saying he and his coaches have keep keeping a close eye on their performances.

But he and his Liverpool colleagues will not take sides ahead of Mane and Salah's final showdown.

"We have followed it pretty closely, it's a great achievement for both, getting through to the final," added the German.

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"Naby [Keita] played an exceptional tournament as well, unfortunately he was suspended in a decisive game for them with two yellow cards, otherwise Guinea would have had a good chance to go a bit further.

"So far it's been a really successful tournament for our boys and it will be very exciting [to watch the final].

"It's not so easy because we have to watch the game and one will be definitely really happy after it and the other one much less so, but both have a good chance to achieve something really big."

The Liverpool boss added how particularly impressed he has been with Salah's attitude, having stepped into the role of leader for Egypt.

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The forward give his teammates a speech of encouragement prior to their semi-final penalty shoot-out win against hosts Cameroon, and Klopp says the experiences of both players at the tournament will be a huge benefit to the Liverpool team upon their return

"Before the penalties last night you saw Mo speaking to the group - it's really impressive to see," Klopp added.

"These experiences really benefit us in the long-term.

"The pressure was massive - I am really proud of them."