Senegalese Liverpool forward Sadio Mane could be out for up to six weeks with a hamstring injury which he picked up during his country’s World Cup qualifier game against Cape Verde on Saturday.
The 25 year-old was forced off in the 89th minute of that game, which his side won 2-0 to keep their hopes for qualification for the 2018 showdown alive.
Mane will now miss Liverpool’s key fixtures coming up, against Manchester United and Tottenham, as well as both Champions League group fixtures against Maribor.
The Senegalese has netted thrice in five Premier League appearances this season, also getting one assist.
Senegal top their World Cup qualification group, but still have two crucial games against South Africa on November 10 and 14, which Mane is likely to miss too.
Mane’s has asserted great influence into the Liverpool side since his 2016 move from Southampton.
Last season, he scored 13 goals in just 29 appearances for the Merseyside club.
Only two African teams have qualified for the World Cup so far – Nigeria and Egypt.
Senegal will be hoping they overcome South Africa in the two games next month to book their place in Russia.
