Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has admitted that he is concerned about Sadio Mane ahead of the international break.
Mane returned to the Reds first team following a hamstring injury which he suffered while on international duty during the last international break and played 77 minutes of the clubs 4-1 victory over West Ham on Saturday.
He also played well during the game setting up both of Mohamed Salah’s goals. Despite not being fully fit, Mane has been called up to the Senegal international team for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and they need two points in order to ensure qualification to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Klopp has since admitted that he is worried about Mane and hopes that Senegal can ensure qualification after the first match against South Africa to ensure that they qualify for the World Cup. He said: “I am always worried, to be honest. It is the most difficult time for me.
“[Injuries] can happen every day; it can happen in our training, in their training, it can happen in a game, but that’s how it is. I have no problems with international games, I’m really happy for Senegal that they could go to the World Cup and they need Sadio Mane for this, I understand, he is fit to play.
“The only thing I would ask is if they can make it in the first game then it would be cool if he could come back and could make the preparations for our game against Southampton.
“I cannot decide things like this, I don’t even try, but we are in contact. First, he goes there and he recovers and has a long flight, then he will play the game, good news for Senegal.
“He needs real recovery – if you know the coach of Senegal, tell him – after this game today and then he will be ready for South Africa.”
