The Reds ace has been ruled out for up to six weeks with a hamstring injury.

And Neville thinks Mane is a pivotal player for Liverpool but the likes of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho could all step up in his absence.

Mane had been in superb form this season, netting three goals in his five Premier League appearances.

Neville told Sky Sports: “Sadio Mane has become such a force for Liverpool.

“He's definitely the attacker who offers something different for Liverpool, but they have still got Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho so they do offer a real threat.

“You would have never said before Mane joined he'd be the most pivotal player but you would now say, given what happened during the African Cup of Nations last season, losing him is a big psychological blow.

“However, they do have Salah, who does fill that speed gap and gives them something else, so that ultimately means the loss is less of an issue this time.”

Manchester United are currently seven points clear of Liverpool going into the clash at Anfield at 12.30pm on Saturday.

Jose Mourinho will be boosted by the absence of Mane as well as the fact Romelu Lukaku is fit for the showdown.

The Reds star was named on the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist earlier this week alongside team-mate Coutinho.

If United beat Liverpool they will go top of the Premier League table until Manchester City face Stoke at 3pm.