In Friday’s press conference ahead of Liverpool’s 2-2 against Shrewsbury Town in the fourth round of the FA Cup, Jurgen Klopp confirmed that Sadio Mane is undergoing a scan on his injury when the German head coach was being addressed by the media and said (via AS), “I don’t know exactly. It’s his muscle. He felt something, his hamstring. We don’t know yet. Obviously we have to wait, we’ll see…”
Some of the latest reports in the UK have suggested that the Senegalese attacker had a resonance scan last Friday and could be facing a spell on the sidelines for the next three weeks after he sustained what appears to be a microtear (via AS). The Premier League star was not available for the game versus Shrewsbury and is set to miss the upcoming Premier League matches against West Ham United, Southampton and Norwich City respectively.
Mane’s Incredible Season At Liverpool
However, Mane will be in a race against time to be fit for the first leg showdown against Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16s next month. He has been Liverpool’s best performer on the offensive end of the pitch this season. The Senegal international has scored 15 goals and provided 11 assists in 31 matches for the European champions this term across all competitions.
The 31-year-old has averaged 1.5 tackles, 2.4 shots, 1.9 key passes and 1.9 dribbles per game for the Merseyside club on all fronts (stats via whoscored). He has also secured 61 international caps for the Senegalese national side and has registered 16 goals for his country in the process.
What Does The Senegalese Dribbler Offer On The Field?
Mane is one of the quickest players in the Premier League and can use his blistering pace and power to lose his marker in the final third. He has built up an excellent understanding with the likes of Andrew Robertson, Georginio Wijnaldum and Roberto Firmino in the opposition half. Hence, the rest of the Liverpool first-team stars will feel the absence of the injured Senegalese in the coming weeks when the fixtures come thick and fast in the Premier League.
Mane Set To Be Out For Three Weeks: Huge Blow For The Premier League Leaders?
Losing Mane for three weeks to a hamstring microtear will be a massive blow for Jurgen Klopp heading into the winter break. At times, the African Player of the Year has carried this Liverpool side and helped them maintain their relentless push towards the Premier League title.
However, Mane’s injury could mean that either Divock Origi or Takumi Minamino will get more game time with the first-team, which is always a plus for their long-term development at Anfield.
