Liverpool legend Steve Nicol is confident they can cover the absences of African pair Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane next month.

Nicol has backed Divock Origi to lessen the impact of losing both Egyptian Salah and Senegalese Mane to the Africa Cup of Nations next month.

Salah and Mane will depart for the AFCON after Sunday's match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The duo, and Guinea's Naby Keita, will miss the two-legged Carabao Cup semi final against Arsenal and Premier League matches with Brentford and Crystal Palace.

"Yeah [it's a problem] and they've known that this is coming along," Nicol said on ESPN FC.

"I guess the positive thing is that Firmino is almost 100 per cent, so he'll be able to come in.

"No question, your top goal scorer isn't going to be there, your other player in Mane, who's been struggling, isn't going to be there, who you expect at some stage to start scoring again.

"So yeah, it's a question and Liverpool usually come up with an answer.

"Mr Origi, who usually appears when things seem lost, is going to have to step into the breach and maybe put his two pence in.

"So yeah, it's a problem, but I think Liverpool will get past it."