- Sadio Mane injured his hamstring during Senegal’s 2-0 win v South Africa
- He’s returning to Melwood as a result and not playing this week’s fixture
- Jurgen Klopp doesn’t know the extent of the problem yet
- SEE MORE: Shock horror… Sadio Mane’s hamstring injury has flared up
Jurgen Klopp has towed the party line when it comes to Sadio Mane’s latest hamstring injury.
The Senegalese played the full 90 of his country’s recent qualification victory over South Africa – but felt his hamstring during the celebrations after it was confirmed his team would be in next year’s World Cup.
Klopp though has said he’s not frustrated and reminded fans that Mane desperately wanted to help his country and we should be pleased for his success.
In all honesty, this sounds like PR drivel and we’d be surprised if Klopp actually wrote it:
‘Klopp’ told Liverpoolfc.com: “First and foremost, I have to say big congratulations to Senegal on the achievement of qualifying for the World Cup; this is fantastic news for their country and the players – Sadio included.
“Aliou Cisse and his guys have done a fantastic job there and you can see them making a real impact in Russia come next summer. Personally speaking, I’m delighted for Sadio. Everyone in Liverpool knows his ability and the best players should be on the best stage – Sadio will now have this wonderful chance.
“Specifically on him returning to Melwood early to be with us; obviously it is a concern that the hamstring injury is again on the agenda and it will be critical for us to monitor and manage that in the coming days.”
“At this stage we haven’t seen Sadio yet to properly assess the extent, but what is clear is that we will have to stay on top of this for the rest of the week and make sure we are careful in how we look after him.
“There has been really strong communication between ourselves and the Senegal team management to ensure the player is properly protected and looked after. We respect how important he is for Senegal and therefore it must always be the case that they get to make the decision when he is under their care.
“It should not be forgotten in Liverpool, either, how important it is to Sadio that he represents his country whenever he is fit enough to do so. He is so proud of his country and recognises what a role model he is for them.
“So, in this moment all I can really say with certainty is that we will assess Sadio as soon as he lands back in the country and make decisions on what rehab and treatment gives him the best chance of being back fit and strong for the important fixtures we have coming.”
We’re not sure there’s too much more to add…
Mane will likely be at Melwood by this evening or tomorrow morning, when our doctors will work on him to see the extent of the issue.
We’re still hopeful that the 25-year-old will be ready to face his former club Southampton at the weekend.
Since arriving, Mane has made a mockery of his £34m price-tag, winning a spot in the Premier League Team of the Year in 2016/17.
However, he’s not racked up the appearances we’d have liked him to, due to hamstring issues and a month off at the African Cup of Nations.
Hopefully, he can now enjoy an extended run of fitness – as he’s essential to our chances going forward.