It’s not like Liverpool missed Sadio Mane in January or anything, right?
In reality, Reds fans will have their heads in their hands as their top scorer and the key player in their system has been all but ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Shortly after half-time of last Saturday’s Merseyside derby, Mane was forced off following a seemingly innocuous challenge for the ball with Everton left-back Leighton Baines.
On second viewing, the Reds’ forward’s left leg was clearly contorted under the weight and momentum of Baines and Mane was shortly forced off.
Replays of the incident prompted supporters to fear the worst, especially considering the struggles that the side encountered when the Senegal international was on international duty throughout the Africa Cup of Nations.
But there remained that glimmer of hope that he would not require surgery and that Mane would be all good to go after a week or two of rest.
Well that hope has been dashed by Jurgen Klopp who, at his pre-match press conference on Friday, confirmed fans’ worst fears.
JK: It will be pretty much impossible for him to play again this season. He'll have a long break til next season.
— Ian Doyle (@IanDoyleSport) April 7, 2017
JK: It's clear Mane's season is over.
— Ian Doyle (@IanDoyleSport) April 7, 2017
Added to that, Klopp confirmed that neither Jordan Henderson nor Adam Lallana will have recovered from their own injury problems for this weekend’s trip to Stoke City, while Philippe Coutinho is a doubt through illness.
Mane’s absence is a significant blow for Klopp due to the fact that the former Southampton winger has 13 goals and five assists to his name this season.
And fans learning of the news felt that their fate was sealed with the unwelcome update.
No more Sadio Mané this season then most likely……. pic.twitter.com/nR9mjuJVNL
— Viktor Fagerström (@ViktorFagerLFC) April 7, 2017
Sadio Mane out for the rest of the season pic.twitter.com/GAzgw0t3Ux
— Paul James 🇯🇪 (@JerseyPaul90) April 7, 2017
Jurgen Klopp: "Pretty sure Sadio #Mane will need surgery. Season over." #LFC pic.twitter.com/tVQT2M9r9C
— Justin (@justin_sandhu) April 7, 2017
sadio mane out for the rest of the season confirmed. pic.twitter.com/PK6O1KSvZL
— see you half-space cowboy (@sketbobfc) April 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/DarkGlimmers/status/850306339628879872
I'm a bit late to the party but Sadio Mane ruled out for the rest of the season. Disaster.
— DaveOCKOP (@DaveOCKOP) April 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/_JenniRodgers/status/850305424628871168
https://twitter.com/ProbzGMR/status/850305305875558400
https://twitter.com/lois_182/status/850305286611111937
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