UPDATE- Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp made this statement at a Friday news conference when asked if the Sadio Mane injury was season ending:
“Sadio will, we’re pretty sure, need surgery. We’re not 100 percent sure when it will happen, but it is clear his season is over.”
“That’s what I expected, actually, when I saw the video after the game. I thought he was lucky in this situation that not more happened, but it will be pretty much impossible that he will play again this season.
“But then he’ll have a long break and be ready for next season, so that’s the only good news.”
Liverpool fans know all too well just how important Sadio Mane is to their fortunes. When he was away on international duty for Senegal in the African Cup of Nations this winter, the Reds went into a tailspin.
That doesn’t mandate LFC limps to the finish though. It’s possible that Klopp has learned from that experience now, and he will have his team better adjusted to playing without him and better rehearsed in creating scoring opportunities in his absence.
Of course, the key for the Reds will be the ability to finish and close out, as Klopp himself alluded to following the draw with Bournemouth.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times and NBC Chicago.com, contributes to Chicago Tribune.com, Bold, WGN CLTV and KOZN.
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