Liverpool are likely to be without Sadio Mane for three important games after his sending off in Saturday’s defeat to Manchester City.
Though the setback threatens as one that will take time to get over, it must be one that the Reds forget and move on from with immediate effect.
Mane was dismissed during the first half of the crushing 5-0 loss after catching goalkeeper Ederson with a high boot whilst attempt to win the ball in a challenge he had to make.
Liverpool look set to miss Mane for the usual three game ban for a straight red card, although this applies to domestic competitions only.
This, crucially, means he will be available for the club’s Champions League group stage campaign, which begins with a clash at home to Sevilla on Wednesday.
Mane’s earliest availability in the Premier League could be around the beginning of October.
The games he will miss:
- September 16- Liverpool v Burnley (Premier League)
- September 19- Leicester v Liverpool (Carabao Cup)
- September 23- Leicester v Liverpool (Premier League)
Three, admittedly, tough fixtures, yet three this Liverpool side should be capable of winning and three they need to be winning if they are serious about challenging in every competition this season.
Attacking reinforcements were made to ensure the Reds had an answer to this kind of unpredictability, with Jurgen Klopp having the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Daniel Sturridge ready for action.
The players are there to fill in and contribute in Mane’s absence. It’s a pressure Liverpool were always going to have to deal with and a pressure that will put them to the test early on this season.