What does Sadio Mané’s Injury Mean For Jürgen Klopp?

These international breaks are trying to destroy us. What other explanation is there? Another break, another injury, another span of games without Liverpool’s best dancer, Sadio Mané. Does Jürgen Klopp have other players at his disposal that can come into the team and make a difference against Manchester United on Saturday? Yes, he does. Unfortunately, one of them is injured, as well; Adam Lallana remains locked in his battle of recovery. And one of them is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who isn’t an ideal starting option just yet but may be called on to fill the gap. Ditto for Dominic Solanke, a young, but powerful and clever player who the manager may show faith in during Mané’s absence. Daniel Sturridge? I honestly don’t know.

“It’s always like this,” said Klopp. “One injured player, two injured players. You always have to (have players come in).

“We have now three long-term injures with Clyney and Adam. And now, since a few days ago, Sadio is out.

“Of course, they are all quality players but it is not about talking about them. It’s about really building a really strong side, a real strong line-up for the next game.

“In the moment, we are still in a quite comfortable situation because we have different options and that’s good. That’s what we wanted to have before the season.

“Now we have it and now we have to use it.”

Alternately, Philippe Coutinho could be pushed further forward and Klopp rolls out a midfield three of Emre Can, Jordan Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum. No real shake-ups. We’ve seen it before. Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah retain their places in Liverpool’s attacking fury and the midfield players rotate somewhat freely with each other between attacking and defending positions.

Alberto Moreno could also provide width and attacking prowess on the left, linking up with Coutinho, whipping balls into the box.

Mané’s injury is a blow to the squad, no question about it. But Liverpool’s attacking options are many and there’ll be no shortage of takers for a spot on the Anfield pitch against United.