Mane has proved to be an excellent signing from Southampton, but will miss some January games because of Senegal’s participation in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Former Liverpool midfielder Jan Molby has written in his Liverpool Echo column that the Reds will be able to cope without Sadio Mane in January – when he heads to the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal.
Mane has become an important part of the Liverpool team as he’s developed an excellent understanding with Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho, becoming a deadly attacking trio in the Premier League.
Liverpool’s Sadio Mane celebrates scoring their first goal
The Reds legend wrote in the Liverpool Echo: “He’ll be missed when he goes to the Africa Cup of Nations in January, but this is a real team effort at Anfield nowadays, and everybody is sharing the load.
“We’re in a position where we’re not missing key players more than other sides would.
“It wouldn’t be imperative to bring someone in when Mane goes, though. If we don’t win the title in May, not signing somebody wouldn’t be the reason.”
Mane is likely to miss games against Manchester United at Old Trafford, and against Chelsea at Anfield in what could prove to be pivotal fixtures when it comes to deciding the outcome of the Reds’ season.
Liverpool’s Sadio Mane celebrates scoring their fifth goal
Some will suggest that Mane will be a big miss given that Liverpool’s only defeat this season has come when he was absent from the squad – in a 2-0 defeat to Burnley.
So far the Senegal international has scored six goals for the Reds this season, but Liverpool will feel they have options in that area. They may look to bring in someone else in the January transfer window but both Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi are likely to be pushing hard for a place in the side and stake their claim for a starting place for the remainder of the season.
In the meantime, Liverpool want to position themselves to ensure that January is an important month for them, where they will be hope to be right in thick of the title picture.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp with Daniel Sturridge as he prepares to come on
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