LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 14, 2016: Liverpool's Sadio Mane during the FA Premier League match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Sadio Mane not injured after Senegal scare, back in Liverpool training

Liverpool winger Sadio Mane is confirmed to be fully fit and back in Liverpool training, despite a concern while on international duty.

The 24-year-old was withdrawn after the hour mark in Senegal’s 2-0 win over Namibia in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Saturday.

This led to concerns over Mane’s fitness, with Liverpool set to take on Leicester City in their first home clash of the season at Anfield on September 10.

But Mane has now been confirmed to be fit and ready for action, having already returned to Melwood to join Jurgen Klopp‘s first-team squad for training.

As reported by the Telegraph‘s Chris Bascombe among others, Mane “was withdrawn as a precautionary measure,” but has told Klopp he is “100 percent fit.”

This came as Klopp himself called Mane on Sunday for an update on his fitness, underlining the winger’s key status.

Mane has already missed one game this season through injury, sitting out of August’s 2-0 defeat away to Burnley after taking a knock to his shoulder in training.

Without the £30 million summer signing, Liverpool were noticeably lacking out wide, with Daniel Sturridge unable to provide the same injection of pace and direct attacking play.

LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 6, 2016: Liverpool's Sadio Mane celebrates scoring the first goal against FC Barcelona during the International Champions Cup match at Wembley Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Mane is quickly proving indispensable to Klopp, scoring an excellent solo goal in the Reds’ Premier League opener away to Arsenal and shining in the 5-0 League Cup win away to Burton Albion.

Speaking ahead of Senegal’s clash with Namibia, Mane dismissed the potential burden of his lofty price tag, instead insisting it was just “part of football.”

“I think it’s sometimes normal in football, it’s part of football, people always talk,” he said.

“Personally I didn’t [feel] pressure, because I’ve always believed in my quality, and I know what I can do for my team.

“I don’t care about [my price tag], I just try to work in training every day and give my best, for the club and for the fans.”

Mane’s self-confidence is a breath of fresh air for Liverpool, with Klopp requiring a ruthless edge in his attacking ranks.

Welcoming the Foxes to the redeveloped Anfield on Saturday evening, the Reds will be hoping for more of the same from Mane, after he has been passed fit to start.



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