Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Senegalese winger Sadio Mane is in contention to face Norwich City tomorrow in the opening fixture of the Reds’ Premier League campaign.
Klopp says Mane can be ready for Norwich.
"He looks fit. Yesterday was the first session with the team. He looks absolutely OK. Yes, he's an option."#LFC
— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) August 8, 2019
James Milner is also back in the squad having missed last weekend’s Community Shield match with a minor injury.
Klopp says Milner is fine for Norwich game.
— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) August 8, 2019
Given Mane only returned for pre-season on Monday afternoon, it had been assumed that he would miss out, but it now appears to be likely he will make the matchday squad.
The number 10 will probably only make the substitutes bench, though Klopp could decide to throw him in from the start. Sometimes the best way to get fit is by playing matches.
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Divock Origi would be the favourite to start if Mane doesn’t make it, but it seems that Klopp has a decision on his hands.
The Belgian has had a full pre-season and with Harry Wilson now at Bournemouth for the season, he would be the likely alternative to Mane. Xherdan Shaqiri is also available, and Klopp has tipped him to have a big campaign.