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Liverpool - Liverpool star Sadio Mane insists his team will easily cope without him while he is on international duty next month.
Mane leaves for the African Nations Cup in January, where he will represent Senegal until at least the 23rd of the month, which is the final group game for the Lions of Teranga.
The international duty will see Mane miss potentially crucial games against Manchester United and Swansea, but he is confident the Reds will excel without him.
"It will not be easy for me to go with Senegal next month," said Mane. "I would love to carry on playing with my team-mates and help my team, but I think they will understand because it is my country and it is my dream.
"I will be wishing them good luck but without me the team will be the same. Even better I think. They will cope. Coutinho will come back. Matip will come back and Sturridge is back now.
"I am very happy for him [Sturridge]. It has not been easy for him being out, he has had a lot of injuries, but you know he can deliver important performances for the team. That is why the team will be strong [while I am away]."
Mane who has proved an astute acquisition for the Reds will be looking to continue his fine form when Jurgen Klopp's men welcome Stoke City to Anfield on Tuesday night.
Kick off is at 19:15.
