Liverpool FC boss Jurgen Klopp reacts to potential Mo Salah blow that could boost Man City

Mo Salah has been included in Egypt's provisional squad for the 2020 Olympics, meaning he could miss the start of next season.

Jurgen Klopp insists there has been no contact between the Egypt national team and Liverpool about Mo Salah's potential involvement in the 2020 Olympic Games - something that could boost Manchester City's 2020/21 Premier League title chances.

Egypt coach Shawky Gharib claimed earlier this week that Salah would be included as one of the three over-23 picks each country is allowed for the Tokyo Olympics this summer.

"Out of the three senior players we’ll call up, Salah is the only one we’re settled on so far because he’s simply one of the top three players in the world," he said.

"I haven’t talked to Salah at all about him joining the U-23 squad for the Olympics, but in all honesty, his participation in the Olympics will need a little effort from him as well."

If Salah was to be included, he would likely miss the start of the 2020/21 season, with the games beginning on July 22. That would mean Salah would not be present for Liverpool's pre-season preparations and could then need a rest after returning from Japan, cutting into the start of the new season.

Ahead of Liverpool's fixture with Norwich this weekend, Klopp was asked about Gharib's comments, saying he has received no contact about Salah's involvement in the Olympics but would not want to be without one of his key men ahead of the next campaign.

"No decision. It's clear, do I want to lose a player in pre-season? Of course not," Klopp said.

"But I have to consider different things. I need to speak with Mo. I need more information. Nobody contacted us so far."

The development comes after changes to the Africa Cup of Nations mean the Liverpool talisman will also be out of action in early 2021 after the  tournament reverted back to it's old format due to concerns over weather in Cameroon.

Sadio Mane and Naby Keita are also set to be unavailable when the tournament begins on January 9 while City are set to lose Riyad Mahrez to Algeria.