Sadio Mané Could Miss Run-In

Well, this was the news that Liverpool fans didn't want to hear. Sadio Mané could miss the rest of the season with a knee injury sustained in the second half of the Merseyside derby on Saturday. Liverpool’s attacking thrust and top four prospects are undoubtedly weaker without the Senegalese international.

According to various journalists with links to the club, Mané’s knee is still swollen with the extent of the damage uncertain at this stage. He is set to miss the next couple of weeks at least, but more will be ascertained when the swelling subsides. Despite missing games against Manchester United and Swansea City this year, Mané is the club’s top goalscorer in 2017 with five goals.

A comprehensive diagnosis from Mane’s scan will come in the next 24 hours, but until then, speculation and fears will continue. Can Liverpool’s thin squad continue to win games without Adam Lallana, Jordan Henderson, Sadio Mané, and Daniel Sturridge to finish in the top four? Sturridge is set to return, but Emre Can and Joël Matip missed training today ahead of Wednesday’s home game against Bournemouth.

Mané is arguably Liverpool’s player of the season, and how Liverpool handle his absence will be key to remaining in the top four. Get well soon, Sadio.