Liverpool lose key player before big match with Man Utd

The Anfield team will not have star Sadio Mane in the match against Man Utd in round eight of the Premier League.

*The Liverpool - Man Utd match takes place at 6:30 p.m. on October 14, Hanoi time.

Liverpool's preparations for the big clash were dealt a blow when key player Sadio Mane picked up a hamstring injury. The 25-year-old was substituted in the 89th minute of Senegal's game against Cape Verde last weekend.

After being examined and tested, Mane was determined to have a serious injury that could keep him out for up to six weeks. This is very bad news for both Liverpool and the Senegal team.

Mane is making limited contributions to Liverpool this season, corresponding to the team's decline. Photo: Reuters.

If his recovery schedule is correct, Liverpool will be without Mane for the important matches against Man Utd, Tottenham (Premier League) and Maribor (Champions League). Meanwhile, Senegal will likely also be without Mane for the two important matches against South Africa to qualify for the World Cup.

It has been a forgettable time for Mane. Earlier in the season, the former Southampton player was suspended for three matches for kicking Man City goalkeeper Ederson in the face. He has since been absent again recently due to a knee injury.

In January 2017, Mane had to return to Senegal for the African Cup of Nations and Liverpool had won just one of their seven games in all competitions. The Port City side averaged 2.2 goals per game with Mane in the side, and just 1.6 without him.

This is sad news for Liverpool, but motivation for Man Utd before the clash between the two most traditional teams in England at Anfield.

According to VNE