Therefore, Jota’s timely return boosts the numbers up top, while Nunez’s confidence has been lifted by his first Premier League goal since October.

Gakpo himself has seven for the season, the latest coming in last week’s Carabao Cup romp against West Ham after he was denied a goal at Turf Moor when referee Paul Tierney adjudged Nunez to have committed a foul in the build-up, and he believes they have enough firepower to see them through in Salah’s absence.

Cody Gakpo (right) believes Liverpool can cope without Mohamed Salah next month

Salah is set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations next week and could be gone for a month

Gakpo is not concerned about Salah’s upcoming absence after Darwin Nunez ended his goal drought against Burnley on Tuesday

‘For every attacking player who didn’t score for a few games, it’s always nice to get back on the scoresheet and Darwin did it with a very good goal,’ said Gakpo.

‘For Diogo as well. When you are injured and you come back and score that’s always nice and good for the confidence. So really happy.

‘Mo is gone after the Newcastle game so we need the goals. Of course, I think I can contribute even more.’

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is also of the opinion they can handle Salah’s expected lengthy absence despite the Egypt international being their main threat for so many seasons.

‘It’s always important for the guys up front to score goals. I am delighted for Darwin. Diogo, it’s the same story. It’s good to see the boys back on the scoresheet,’ said the Netherlands defender.

‘I also want to say that Cody was outstanding, in the first half especially. It’s good to see. Everyone has to keep pushing each other. That’s the only way we can get better.

‘Others have to step up anyway. We have to deal with losing Mo and we have the players up front who can make the difference. Let’s see how we deal with it.’

Diogo Jota returned from injury to score against Burnley, and the Reds still have plenty of attacking options without Salah