Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp faces an anxious wait on news over Sadio Mane as the Senegal international picked up a knock on international duty.
Senegal have already secured their place in January’s Africa Cup of Nations, but Aliou Cisse continued to name a strong starting line-up for their qualifying clash with Namibia.
While his side went on to win the game 2-0, it came at a cost, one that will alert Klopp to the situation as Mane was forced off with a knock after 66 minutes and was replaced as a precaution.
As noted by The Sun, the former Southampton ace arrived at Anfield in a £30m deal this summer, and his impact has been swift and effective as he has stood out for Klopp’s side so far this season.
In turn, any injury at this stage would be a blow for the German tactician, and he will be hoping that Mane, along with the rest of the internationals in his squad, come back with no long-term issues.
The 24-year-old scored on his debut in the 4-3 win over Arsenal, and based on the influence that he has already had on Liverpool’s general play, he promises to be a key part of their success this season.
However, he will of course be absent for a time in January, as he will look to guide Senegal to success in the Cup of Nations which takes place in Gabon next year.
Klopp will have to have an alternative plan in place to deal with his absence, although he does have various options to call upon in his current squad.
Meanwhile, Mane isn’t the first summer signing to pick up an issue, with Lorius Karius and Joel Matip also sustaining injuries in pre-season.