Liverpool to lose Kolo Toure after Africa Cup of Nations call-up

Liverpool are set to lose centre-back Kolo Toure for a big chunk of January after his call-up to the Ivory Coast squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.

The 33-year-old has been named in coach Herve Renard’s 23-man squad for the tournement, which is being held in Equatorial Guinea next month.

Toure’s nation have been drawn with Cameroon, Guinea and Mali in Group D.

The tournament begins on 17 January, but manager Brendan Rodgers is likely to lose Toure before that to allow him to join a training camp.

Ivory Coast’s first game is against Guinea on 20 January.

The tournament runs until 8 February.

Toure has played 12 times for the Reds so far this season.