The Senegal international is expected to miss around six weeks of action with a hamstring problem.

And Phil Neville thinks the fact Mane is missing will mean Mourinho can play with far more attacking full-backs.

Speaking on Sky Sports show The Debate, Neville explained: “I think Mane is an unbelievable miss for Liverpool.

“If you're Jose Mourinho and planning for a game with Mane and Mo Salah on either side and Roberto Firmino up front, you're thinking 'my full-backs can't go forward much today, they have to defend for 90 minutes'The Debate.

“Now, if Philippe Coutinho plays there or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, you know that Antonio Valencia can fly forward because he hasn't got to mark Mane.

“I think Mane puts everything together for Liverpool in terms of that high pressing and energy up front.

“He's the key and Liverpool's best player for me. He's unpredictable, he can win a game on his own, he can do something out of nothing that can win Liverpool the game.

“He's a massive loss for Liverpool and I think Mourinho, given the choice, will say he can handle being without Paul Pogba or Marouane Fellaini but he'll be delighted that Mane isn't playing.”

Mane has been in fine form this season, netting three times and providing two assists in all competitions.

Liverpool currently trail Manchester United by seven points in the Premier League.

The Red Devils know with a win at Anfield they will go top of the table until Manchester City face Stoke at 3pm tomorrow.