Jurgen Klopp admits Sadio Mane’s early return to Liverpool is ‘a concern’.
Mane will rejoin the Reds ahead of schedule due to a slight recurrence of what Senegal have described as an ‘old injury’ while on international duty last week.
The winger took part in his country’s World Cup qualifying win over South Africa, where he was overseen by a physio from the Anfield backroom staff.
Liverpool will assess Mane upon his return to Merseyside but the potential injury may rule him out of Saturday’s encounter with his former club Southampton.
The 25-year-old recently returned from four weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, making his comeback in the 4-1 win over West Ham.
Klopp concedes that the extent of Mane’s problem is not yet known but described the coming days as ‘critical’ in ensuring the player misses as little possible game time.
He said: “Obviously it is a concern that the hamstring injury is again on the agenda and it will be critical for us to monitor and manage that in the coming days.
“At this stage we haven’t seen Sadio yet to properly assess the extent.
“But what is clear is that we will have to stay on top of this for the rest of the week and make sure we are careful in how we look after him.
“There has been really strong communication between ourselves and the Senegal team management to ensure the player is properly protected and looked after.
“We respect how important he is for Senegal and therefore it must always be the case that they get to make the decision when he is under their care.
“It should not be forgotten in Liverpool, either, how important it is to Sadio that he represents his country whenever he is fit enough to do so.
“He is so proud of his country and recognises what a role model he is for them.
“So, in this moment all I can really say with certainty is that we will assess Sadio as soon as he lands back in the country and make decisions on what rehab and treatment gives him the best chance of being back fit and strong for the important fixtures we have coming.”