Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Sadio Mane will miss Liverpool’s Premier League clash with West Ham with a muscle tear, as well as Saturday’s visit of Southampton.
The Reds make the trip to the London Stadium on Wednesday evening, making up the game in hand they have on Manchester City.
Liverpool will be looking to go 19 points clear of their title rivals, but they will have to do it without the influential Mane.
The Senegalese limped out of last Thursday’s win at Wolves with a hamstring injury, meaning he missed the FA Cup draw with Shrewsbury Town.
Speaking at his pre-West Ham press conference on Tuesday, Klopp confirmed that Liverpool would be without Mane for a period:
Sadio will not be involved against West Ham and probably not Southampton.
After that he should be fine.
Read Liverpool Verdict
Mane’s absence against the Hammers is an undoubted blow, with the Senegalese my choice for PFA Player of the Year currently, as well him being the favourite, according to Oddschecker.
Liverpool missed him as soon as he went off against Wolves, whether it be his pace, goal threat or defensive work in helping out Andy Robertson.
I think the Reds should still be able to get through Wednesday’s game without too many issues, though, given West Ham’s current struggles.
I would start Divock Origi in Mane’s place, rather than Takumi Minamino, with the former offering more dynamism out on the left-hand side.
