Liverpool midfielder Sadio Mane has suffered a new injury setback while on international duty with Senegal. Mane has appeared in just six of Liverpool’s 11 games, and now faces a potential span of games on the sideline. He has tallied three goals and two assist this term, and Liverpool have greatly needed his pace at times.
Mane already missed five Liverpool matches with a hamstring injury this season. It is believed he has re-injured the same hamstring. Mane will be reassessed by Liverpool’s medical team after returning from international duty.
Manager Jurgen Klopp spoke Liverpool’s official website about their concern for Mane’s latest injury.
“At this stage we haven’t seen Sadio yet to properly assess the extent, but what is clear is that we will have to stay on top of this for the rest of the week and make sure we are careful in how we look after him.
“There has been really strong communication between ourselves and the Senegal team management to ensure the player is properly protected and looked after.
“We respect how important he is for Senegal and therefore it must always be the case that they get to make the decision when he is under their care.
“It should not be forgotten in Liverpool either how important it is to Sadio that he represents his country whenever he is fit enough to do so.
“He is so proud of his country and recognises what a role model he is for them.
“So in this moment all I can really say with certainty is that we will assess Sadio as soon as he lands back in the country and make decisions on what rehab and treatment gives him the best chance of being back fit and strong for the important fixtures we have coming.”
Senegal qualified for the World Cup in Russia next summer with a 2-0 win over South Africa at the weekend. Liverpool face Southampton when the Premier League resumes on Saturday. The team will then play in the Champions League against Sevilla before facing Chelsea in a big Premier League top four clash.