Liverpool could have Salah replacement by January after 'big' Pearce reveal - pundit
Paul Robinson has claimed it would be "a big boost" for Liverpool if Harvey Elliott returns in January during the African Cup of Nations.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Spurs and England number one said the 18-year-old would be "like a new signing".
Elliott has been sidelined since injuring his ankle in Liverpool's 3-0 win at Leeds United in September.
The Athletic's James Pearce revealed (6 December) that the teenager is on track to return to team training in January.
Robinson said the return would be timely with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane potentially participating in the AFCON from 9 January to 6 February.
"Any player Liverpool can get back around that time will be a big boost because they are going to miss Mane and Salah dearly," he told Football Insider's Dylan Childs.
"Harvey Elliott coming back for them will be like a new signing in January. He was brilliant before he got injured and he can play out wide.
"There is still a doubt over whether the AFCON will go ahead though. Liverpool's best hope is that it gets called off.
"Liverpool's title challenge depends on where they are come the end of January. If they are still in the mix then I would have them as the favourite."
Elliott returned to Liverpool's first team in the summer following a successful loan spell at Blackburn Rovers.
He made four Premier League appearances prior to injury.