Sadio Mane was sidelined 3 weeks ago after picking up what seems to be a muscle problem during their 2-1 win over Wolves. The 27-year-old could be seen sitting down on the pitch while play was ongoing. Klopp then settled to replace Mane by putting on new signing Takumi Minamino, who was handed his Premier League debut.
The Reds were put into limbo after their forefront man injury would see him on the sidelines for a few weeks. With no certainty on when he would return, Klopp could only hope his main man would be back in time for their Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid. Seems favor is in Klopp’s corner as Liverpool have announced Mane has returned to training and will make his return debut after the winter break.
Mane returned to training after overcoming a hamstring injury. The Senegal international has been sidelined for the last two Premier League clash. The forward is a key man in Klopp’s squad having started in all fixtures and scoring 11 goals. Sadio Mane also managed to give eight assists for the league leaders this season.
Klopp, when asked about Mane’s injury said it was a ‘muscle tweak’ in his hamstring. Klopp tried to avoid questions on how long he could be without his African Footballer of the Year. Speaking on Mane, Klopp said, ”I don’t know exactly. It’s probably a muscle. He felt something, a hamstring. We have to wait. We will see.”
Liverpool, however, brought smiles to fans worldwide after a series of pictures of the 27-year-old training with the squad was posted on social media. James Milner, who was also injured early last month was also seen training with the squad on Monday. Milner, 34, was ruled out for several weeks due to a hamstring injury during their FA Cup third-round win over Everton on January 5.
Liverpool will make their Premier League return after the winter break on Saturday when they travel to Carrow Road to take on Norwich. The Reds will hope to extend their unbeaten run as they have won 24 games and drew 1 thus far this season. Klopp’s side has a 22-point lead at the top of the table.
