Sadio Mane’s dream start to his Liverpool career has taken an unfortunate twist, with the powerful winger being taken into hospital with a shoulder injury sustained in training yesterday.
Journalist Paul Joyce, who is well known and highly regarded for his close links at Liverpool, tweeted that Mane was going in for scans on his shoulder yesterday afternoon.
After his devastating display at Arsenal last weekend, fans feared the worst, but Sky Sports News sources went on to reveal that Mane is suffering a muscular injury as opposed to the dislocation that was first feared.
A dislocation could’ve meant a month or more on the side-lines as well as surgery, but a muscle injury is significantly more manageable.
While Mane could feature against Burnley, Jurgen Klopp will likely rest him to ensure no further damage is caused unnecessarily.
Thankfully, the Reds have reasonable depth on the wings, and Adam Lallana, Georginio Wijnaldum or Lazar Markovic all possible replacements.
Coutinho will be a key component of the team to face Burnley at the weekend no matter who fills in on the right wing, and teammate Jordan Henderson believes the Brazilian is ready to step into the “Lionel Messi bracket” of footballers.
In an interview with the Liverpool Echo, Henderson said: “Philippe has certainly got the talent, the work ethic and the hunger to get into that bracket.”
“He’s a fantastic player for us. I’ve seen him develop as a player during his time at Liverpool and he’s still only 24.”
While progressing into the elite group of world footballers is doubtless the hardest challenge in football, Henderson believes that the technically gifted midfielder is ready for the step up.
“If he continues to work as hard as he does and continues to develop like he has done then I’m sure he will be in that bracket before long. He’s still very young.”
Coutinho inspired Liverpool to an incredible 4-3 victory over Arsenal at the weekend, and manager Jurgen Klopp will be relying on him to provide that creative spark against Burnley.
The long-running goalkeeping troubles at Anfield seemed to come to an end with the signing of Loris Karius over the summer, but a hand injury in the International Champions Cup threw Simon Mignolet back into the first team for the start of the season.
Mignolet has looked far from convincing in a Liverpool shirt, so the news that Karius is back in training will doubtless come as a welcome one to fans.
The German posted a video of him in the gym on Twitter, proof of his progress in returning to full fitness.
There is no official predicted return from him or the club, but signs are looking good for a comeback in the next couple of months.
Featured image: All rights reserved by Ruaraidh Gillies
Will also writes for Football Ticket Net, his choice for Liverpool tickets