Liverpool lose most important player until the end of the season

Liverpool's leading goalscorer, Sadio Mane, had to undergo surgery and will be out for the rest of the 2016-2017 season.

Mane suffered a knee injury in the Merseyside derby last weekend. After the latest scan, Liverpool were forced to undergo surgery.

"We are absolutely certain that Mane needs surgery. We hoped it wouldn't be too bad when he first got injured, but now it's clear that the season is over for him," coach Jurgen Klopp shared at a press conference on April 7.

Mane currently has 13 goals and five assists for Liverpool since the start of the 2016-2017 Premier League season. This is the highest number of goals scored by a player at Anfield.

Mane will not be able to play with Liverpool in the last seven matches of the Premier League season. Photo: Reuters

Without Mane, Liverpool could face a huge challenge in the race for a Champions League spot. Klopp's side are currently third but just two points ahead of fourth-placed Man City, having played a game more. Below them,Man Utd and Arsenal also have a chance to catch up as they are six points behind but have played two games less than Liverpool..

The Premier League has the right to send its top four teams to the Champions League next season. If a Champions League and Europa League winner falls outside the top four, England will be allowed to send at least one more team.

According to VNE