Liverpool summer signing Sadio Mane has returned to Melwood with no injury or fitness problems after reports he had suffered a setback on international duty.
It had been widely reported that the former Southampton man had to be replaced in the 66th minute of his side’s 2-0 win over Namibia on Saturday.
The Liverpool Echo claim that Jurgen Klopp had even phoned him on Sunday to check his status, but the 24-year-old quickly allayed any fears that the German tactician had and is now safely back at the club’s training ground injury-free.
The Senegalese international has made an immediate impact for the Reds, standing out as one of their star performers in the win over Arsenal on the opening day of the Premier League season.
While he may have escaped a spell on the sidelines this time round, he will be absent for an extended period in January having helped his nation qualify for the African Cup of Nations 2017.
Nevertheless, Klopp will have time and options to work with before that becomes an issue, and he will undoubtedly be relieved that there isn’t a more immediate issue at hand.
Liverpool were unable to gain momentum prior to the international break after a defeat to Burnley and draw at Tottenham Hotspur left them with four points from their opening three games.
However, they’ll be desperate to get back into action in their first home game of the campaign when they host Leicester City at the new-look Anfield on Saturday evening.