Liverpool midfielder Momo Sissoko believes they can cope with his absence due to this month's African Nations Cup.

The Mali international told liverpoolfc.tv: "That's right.

"Chelsea will lose Mikel, Michael Essien and Didier Drogba, who are all important players for them.

"Then Portsmouth have four or five players who will be in Ghana, including Papa Bouba Diop, John Utaka and Kanu.

"It will probably be harder for these clubs to cope than here at Liverpool, where I am the only African player."