---
title: "Mane’s return to Liverpool delayed as Senegal reach AFCON final"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/manes-return-to-liverpool-delayed-as-senegal-reach-afcon-final/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Luke Osman"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2019-07-14T19:14:08Z"
modified: "2019-07-14T19:14:10Z"
---

# Mane’s return to Liverpool delayed as Senegal reach AFCON final

Sadio Mane will not return for pre-season training at Liverpool until a later date, with Senegal having booked their place in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Reds star has been a talismanic figure for his country during this summer’s tournament, and following their dramatic 1-0 win against Tunisia in the semi-finals on Sunday, they have the chance to get their hands on the trophy.

Senegal advanced to the final courtesy of an own goal from Dylan Bronn in extra-time, with Mane in with a chance of securing international silverware having enjoyed an exceptional season at Liverpool.

![Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/readliverpoolfc/2019/07/1148643579.jpg)

However, as a consequence of his national team’s success, the winger will not return to Melwood for some time yet.

Mane will spend longer with the Senegal squad, and as such, have a later allocated holiday period than his teammates at Liverpool, meaning that he could miss the start of the Premier League season.

The Reds have a hectic schedule at the beginning of the campaign. They face a Community Shield clash with Manchester City, a UEFA Super Cup final against Chelsea, and Premier League outings with Norwich City and Southampton in the first two weeks.