Liverpool star Sadio Mane called up by Senegal for World Cup qualifiers against South Africa despite hamstring injury
Reds winger out of action for at least six weeks after suffering a hamstring strain during the last international period
SADIO MANE has been called up by Senegal for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers despite being out of action for Liverpool with a hamstring injury.
The winger suffered the setback earlier this month and was expected to be out for at least six weeks.
But Senegal are adamant that Mane will be back and match-fit in time to play two games against South Africa on November 10 and 14 for a spot at the World Cup in Russia next year.
Boss Aliou Cisse said: “In my mind there’s no doubt he will be with us for the double header against South Africa and that he will be 100 per cent fit.
“Until now, he has just been doing some individual training – running in straight lines – but from next week, he is going to train harder and start working with the ball.”
How Liverpool feel about that remains to be seen, with Mane picking up his injury during the recent international break.
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Jurgen Klopp has already been without the ace for a large chunk of time this season after he served a three-match ban for a red card received against Manchester City.
And there’s a real risk Mane’s hamstring could be pushed to breaking point if he is rushed back into action by his national team.
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But Liverpool continue to pose a dynamic threat in the final third following the club-record arrival of Mohamed Salah in the summer.
The Egyptian scored twice in last night’s 7-0 Champions League win over Maribor, but Reds fans will still be keen to see Mane return as quickly and efficiently as possible to action.