Liverpool’s Sadio Mane has helped his national team to a place in next summer’s World Cup in Russia — meaning he is likely to be rested for their return tie against South Africa on Tuesday.
The winger played 90 minutes as Senegal overcame Bafana Bafana away from home on Friday evening, running out 2-0 winners to clinch top spot in their World Cup qualification group and guarantee their place in Russia next summer.
With nothing to play for in Tuesday’s reverse fixture then, it can be hoped that Mane will be rested by Senegal manager Aliou Cisse, who can now afford to rotate his side and give chances to players who may not otherwise have been handed starts.
Mane has scored two goals for Senegal during their World Cup qualifying campaign; one against Madagascar in November 2015 and one against Burkina Faso in a 2-2 draw in September of this year.
With games against Southampton, Sevilla and Chelsea to come in the Premier League and the Champions League, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will sincerely hope that Mane is afforded time off of playing duty when Senegal line up against South Africa on Tuesday.
The rapid winger has had injury troubles this season already, and it would be unfortunate if he were to be played unnecessarily against South Africa, and risk getting injured.
