Klopp confirms huge Liverpool boost with Sadio Mane injury update

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Sadio Mane will be available for selection next week following a muscle tear.

Mane pulled up with the issue midway through last week’s 2-1 win over Wolves, which sent the Reds 16 points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

The Senegal international was not in the squad for Sunday’s 2-2 FA Cup draw with Shrewsbury Town, with Klopp’s side facing another busy week with matches against West Ham United and Southampton this week.

Speaking in his latest press conference, however, Klopp provided a welcome boost with an injury update.

The German said: “He will not be fit for West Ham, nor for Southampton, but after that fine.

“The week after is fine for him to get back on track. It was a small muscle tear and it was enough to keep him out for three games.

“We were lucky with the injury that it was not that serious.”

Liverpool‘s clash with West Ham on Wednesday comes two months later than planned, after it was postponed in December due to the Reds’ participation in the Club World Cup.

Liverpool can therefore go 19 points clear in the table with victory, but Klopp has insisted that his side will find it tough to win in East London.

“West Ham fight for the league and that is what it looks like,” he said.

“[It will be] a big fight. Four or five at the back, different possibilities but we have to be ready.

“They have no time to waste. It will be just a tough one. We can do what we have to do. Fight, set the intensity level.”

In other Liverpool news, midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum has been speaking about his future, with less than 18 months remaining on the Dutchman’s contract.

Wijnaldum has become one of Klopp’s most trusted players in recent seasons and the 29-year-old has said that his only focus is seeing out the current campaign with the Reds.

He told Sky Sports: “I’m just focusing on bringing this season to a good end and that’s the only thing I’m thinking of.”