Liverpool fear lengthy Mane absence as injury proves worse than expected

Jurgen Klopp had hoped to have an ETA by now, but swelling has obstructed medical scans

Posted Tuesday, April 04, 2017 by Goal.com

Liverpool could be without star man Sadio Mane for several weeks, according to widespread reports, as doctors have thus far been unable to determine the severity of this knee injury picked up in a challenge with Leighton Baines in the Merseyside derby.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp had hoped for swift test results following the clash in order to determine whether the in-form forward would be available for the Anfield side's Premier League title race run in.

Due to the severity of the swelling on Mane's knee, however, doctors have been unable to carry out effective scans which would determine whether the Senegalese star will be fit to feature in the Reds' battle to finish in the top four.

Liverpool have been buoyed by the return of Coutinho in recent weeks, but injuries to key players such as Adam Lallana and Jordan Henderson already have them on the back foot, while a record of one win in seven games while Mane was at the AFCON is cause for concern.

One benefactor of the current situation at Anfield, however, is Belgian attacker Divock Origi, who has stated that he is ready to step up and become a key figure for the Merseyside outfit.

"I'm ready" he said, "I always said that I'm ready to be an important player for the team.

"I really believe it. I'm not just an option for the future, I'm an option for now.

"I hope I can play a big part in the end of the season."