Jurgen Klopp considers Sadio Mane part of his squad for Liverpool’s opening Premier League game against Norwich on Friday, despite his late return.
Mane only reported back to Melwood on Monday, having missed the Community Shield as he enjoyed a break following the culmination of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Senegalese had a shorter holiday than the rest of his team-mates, but those who also lasted long into the summer with their national teams—Alisson, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah—have gone straight back into the side.
It remains to be seen whether Mane will start at Anfield on Friday night, but speaking at his pre-match press conference at Melwood, Klopp confirmed he can take part.
“He only had two weeks off, so you don’t lose a lot [of fitness]—that’s the good news!” he joked.
“He looks fit, yes he’s an option [vs. Norwich].
“Yesterday was his first session with the team, because Monday he came in at 4 o’clock when we had already left, then Tuesday the team was off and he had his individual session, yesterday now with the team first time.
“He looks absolutely OK, in good spirits and looking forward to it. So yes, he’s an option, but we will see.”
Divock Origi started in Mane’s place against Man City on Sunday and could be retained to take on the newly-promoted Canaries.
But Mane’s availability bolsters Klopp’s attacking options along with the likes of Firmino, Salah, Xherdan Shaqiri, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Harvey Elliott and Rhian Brewster.
The manager also revealed that bar those with long-term injuries including Nathaniel Clyne, the remainder of his squad is fit and ready.
James Milner was back in training this week after missing the Community Shield with a slight issue.
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