Jurgen Klopp insists there is no change in Sadio Mane’s condition, despite the forward being named in the latest Senegal squad.
Mane was recently ruled out for six weeks with a hamstring injury, but has since been selected ahead of November’s World Cup qualifying double-header against South Africa.
“Sadio is still in rehab, that’s how it is. He is indoor and was not even [doing] any exercises outside. That’s the situation in the moment,” Klopp told Liverpoolfc.com.
“If he is fit earlier, I would be really happy but nobody knows in this moment. So, there’s nothing else to say about it.”
“They have very important games or at least one; Senegal need one point from two games to be qualified for the World Cup, so I can imagine they feel the pressure a little bit.”
“But we cannot change the situation. If Sadio is fit, we cannot hide it, why should we? If he is fit, we can do nothing to keep him here, he would go to the national team of Senegal, that’s clear. But in this moment, I don’t know.”
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As anticipated, Mane remains unavailable for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Tottenham at Wembley.
The winger’s setback came as a crushing blow for Liverpool, amid an already testing period for Klopp’s men.
His absence, however, will be a fresh test of how valuable Mohamed Salah is to the Reds, what Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain can offer and how capable Philippe Coutinho is of taking responsibility.
As welcomed as an early recovery would be, this squad is equipped to succeed without having to rely on Mane.
With Senegal so close to securing their place in the World Cup, the inclusion of their star man seems more out of hope than expectation.