Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has admitted that he has been left concerned after Sadio Mane was released early by the Senegal national team with fresh hamstring problems.
Mane played during his sides win against West Ham on November 4 after five games out with a hamstring problem and played for Senegal on Friday as they defeated South Africa 2-0 to secure qualification for the World Cup in Russia next year.
Liverpool have said that Mane is due to return to the Melwood training complex on Tuesday and it is then that Klopp will discover the true extent of the problem.
“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,” the German told his club’s official website.
“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.”
