The absence of Mohamed Salah from Liverpool’s lineup due to the Africa Cup of Nations has provided an opportunity for other forwards to step up, and they have done so impressively. 

Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez, and Cody Gakpo have collectively scored nine out of the 12 goals Liverpool has scored in Salah’s absence this season, showcasing their ability to contribute to the team’s attacking prowess.

During this period, Liverpool’s attacking unit has thrived, with these forwards displaying enhanced performance levels. Jota’s standout performance against Bournemouth led Jamie Carragher to praise him as possibly Liverpool’s best finisher in the Premier League era. Gakpo and Nunez have also made significant impacts, with Gakpo’s crucial goal in the semi-final and Nunez’s energetic displays.

Statistically, the quartet has performed notably better without Salah on the pitch, averaging 1.8 goals per game compared to 0.83 goals per game with Salah. This suggests that Salah’s presence may sometimes limit the effectiveness of his fellow forwards, despite his undeniable talent and goal-scoring prowess.

However, it’s important to note that while Liverpool has performed well in Salah’s absence, he remains a crucial asset to the team. His potential return for the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea would undoubtedly strengthen Liverpool’s lineup, given his status as their best forward and one of the greatest goalscorers in the club’s history.

Ultimately, while Salah’s absence has highlighted the capabilities of Liverpool’s other forwards, it’s essential to recognize his immense value to the team. The challenge for Liverpool will be finding the right balance between utilizing Salah’s talents and maximizing the potential of their other attacking options.