Liverpool Injury News
Liverpool’s hopes of making it to the top four at the end of the season were dealt a massive blow as Sadio Mane has been ruled out for the season.
The Senegalese star is the top scorer for the Reds but had injured his knee in the 3-1 win over Everton. Mane was unable to face Bournemouth a few days later and now Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that the former Southampton man will be out for the remainder of the season. He also said that the Speedster is expected to be fully fit before the start of the next season.
The manager was quoted as saying: “Sadio we are pretty sure will need surgery. Not 100% sure when it will happen.
“It’s clear his season is over. That’s what I expected.
“It will be pretty much impossible for him to play again this season. He’ll have a long break until next season.”
The German manager did add that he believed the injury could have been much worse for the former Southampton man and expects Mane to be firing on all cylinders next season.
“I thought he was lucky not more happened.
“He will be ready for the next season. That’s the only good news.”
Mane had scored 13 goals and provided five assists for the Reds this season and was part of the reason why many believed Liverpool could end the season in the top four.
His pace and energy are crucial to Liverpool’s playing style and the Reds have struggled to get wins whenever the Senegalese has been missing.
A tepid Liverpool were in action against Bournemouth and they could only muster a 2-2 draw at home, despite leading 2-1 with a few minutes to go.
Liverpool face Stoke City away from home in their next game and without Mane, they will be truly tested.
A win at the Britannia would not be easy for the Merseyside club but should they somehow claim all three points, their top four hopes will be reignited.
However, the fact that they have not won a single match without Mane surely is an ominous sign for the Merseyside club.
