What Will Liverpool Do Without Sadio Mane?
By Paul Drake
What will Liverpool do without Sadio Mane? The Reds striker is set undergo season-ending knee surgery on Tuesday in London. It was in the Merseyside derby that Mane suffered a severe knee injury, damaging his meniscus.
It is being reported by the Guardian that after his surgery, Mane will proceed through an eight-week recovery period. This puts the Reds striker returning during July.
The Telegraph says that Mane strongly desired not to chose the surgery route and hoped to still contribute to the Reds Champions League qualification run. That obviously did not happen and Mane will report on Tuesday to Dr. Andy Williams, in London for his surgery.
The Reds ownership paid £34 million this past summer for the Senegalese star, and a star he has been. Sadio Mane is clearly has a future at Anfield and is a crucial part in Klopp’s strategy.
Sadio Mane Out For The Season
Last week, Jürgen Klopp was uncertain about Mane’s future this season but confirms that Mane’s season is over. Klopp went on to say, “He [Mane] will get a longer break and be ready for next season. That is the only good news.”
That is good news, if Liverpool can qualify for the Champions League, Mane will be a big part of the Reds strategy. It is no easy task for Premier League teams to stay competitive in the Champions League and in their domestic league. Having depth and talent is key, so the fact that Mane’s injury isn’t more serious is a blessing.
Mane has been of the Reds best players this season, despite missing a month away at the Africa Cup of Nations in January. He has made 27 appearances, scoring 13 goals, and creating 43 chances. Liverpool are simply better with Mane on the pitch, compiling a 17-7-3 record in the Premier League.
What Will Liverpool Do Without Mane?
The Reds will feel the loss of Mane for the rest of the season, but can they rise to the challenge?
I think Liverpool fans saw a glimpse of that in the match on Saturday, against Stoke City. First, Klopp chose to make a formation change, which he rarely does, switching to a 3-5-1-1.
Mignolet
Matip, Lovren, Klavan
Alexander-Arnold, Wijnaldum, Can, Milner, Clyne
Woodburn
Origi
Though this starting eleven was largely ineffective, the formation was not, especially when Coutinho and Firmino came on for Alexander-Arnold and Woodburn. These substitutions by Klopp were the reason the Reds won this match against the Potters.
Coutinho and Firmino both scored goals, giving the Reds a 2-1 win over Stoke City!
I think that this will become a norm for Reds fans, seeing Klopp change his formation to bend the team to its strengths. At this point, Mane is out for the season, Jordan Henderson is not back yet, and Adam Lallana is still weeks away from returning.
As the injuries begin to pile up, Klopp and his boys will have to dig deep and find ways to be effective down the stretch. The Reds have just 6 matches left in the season and will need every point to stay in Champions League contention for next season.
Let’s hope for the best for one of the Kop’s most beloved new players, Sadio Mane!
Next: Liverpool's Anxious April Continues
All statistical information provided by Squawka.com