Mane Is Happy To Be Back (And So Are We)

Sadio Mane returned Saturday two weeks ahead of schedule after a hamstring injury, and boy did he show how ready he is.

Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

One of the subtle but most impactful changes ahead of Saturday’s meeting with West Ham was the early return of Sadio Mané. After having picked up a hamstring injury during last month’s international break, the winger wasn’t scheduled to return until after the upcoming break. That changed this week when he resumed full training and was listed as a starter an hour before kick off.

"I am very happy to be back because it was not easy," Mané told BBC Sport following the match.

"There's no excuse for me now - I was injured but I was always working hard."

Senegal are set to replay one of their qualifying matches after a referee was found guilty of match manipulation that led to their 2-1 defeat at the hands of South Africa. The replay is set to take place on November 10th, in South Africa, with the final qualifier for Senegal’s group happening four days later in the country’s capital.

"It's going to be tough because we know how South Africa is, even when they are not in good form," continued Mané.

"We respect them but we also know we have quality and we have a great team and I think we can do it."

Mané has proven himself instrumental in not only Liverpool’s success, but Senegal’s as well. After missing a vital penalty that kept Senegal from the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, the winger is now desperate to make amends and help the Teranga Lions qualify for the first time since 2002.

"Everybody knows what it means for the country - especially the fans - and I think it will be a dream for us and hopefully God will help us to qualify," the winger said.

While the gnawing fear of another international injury will always be in the back of everyone’s minds, Mané has shrugged off the possibility.

“Every player would love to play until the end of the season without injury. It's part of football so we accept it and move forward,” Mané said

Jürgen Klopp even mentioned the possibility in his post-match presser, and seemed less apathetic.

“"It's the most difficult time for me but I have no problem with international games," he said.

"We are happy for Senegal if they can go to the World Cup, and they need Sadio Mane for this and I understand it.

"He's fit to play - the only thing I would ask for is if they can make it in the first game it would be cool if he could come back and could make the preparations for our game against Southampton. I cannot decide things like this, I don’t even try, but we are in contact.”

Either way, Sadio Mané had made himself an important piece of Liverpool’s puzzle and every minute he’s fit is a strength for both club and country.

“Watch his influence when he comes back” Liverpool Fans Erupts In Joy To Reports Of English Star’s Return To Full Fitness

Adam Lallana

What keeps fans happy and connected during the international break? Possible news about players returning from injury or about players who are ready to join the club!
Top of the list now is Reds’ fan favourite Adam Lallana who has been missing from action due to injury. Reports from the Telegraph indicate that the England international midfielder is ready to come back in a behind-closed-doors friendly match set for next week.
The midfielder hasn’t featured for the Reds all season, after getting injured in the pre-season. It was unfortunate that Lallana injured his thigh just before the start of the season, shutting hopes of a good start.
This came after a breakthrough season last year during which Lallana scored 8 goals and 7 assists. Lallana not only helped us return to the Champions League but also cemented his place in the first XI.
It was a real pity that the 29-year-old got injured at a time when everyone was expecting a stronger season from him this year. And, it is frustrating for the player too, to be watching the action from the sidelines.
All that is in the past now and the player is ready to get back to action. First up on the cards is the friendly at Melwood next week and this news has got the fans joyous on Twitter.
Here are some of the reactions.

PERVERSE GENERATION

A latin adage goes thus, "Homo Lupus Homo," Man is Wolf to Man. truly the evil that men do, must surely live after them.
These 3 young vibrant men were beheaded by 1:00 am this morning beside my house pursuant to a bloody cult rivalry in the locality where i serve. Obitti community, Ohaji Egbema LGA, Imo State.

The perpetrators of this iniquitous barbarity made away with their heads.

Viewers Discretion is advised!

BARCELONA STILL REMAINS KEEN ON A DEAL FOR COUTINHO

Barcelona will press on with their plans to make a huge bid for Philippe Coutinho in January, according to Spanish news outlet Sport.
 

The La Liga giants have been closely tracking Coutinho’s situation at Anfield after he handed in a transfer request in the summer. Barcelona made several attempts to land him in August, with bids in the region of £100 million made, but they were knocked back.

Richard Heathcote/Getty Images Sport

However, if Sport are to be believed, Barcelona are still intending to go ahead with their planned pursuit of Coutinho when the mid-season transfer window opens, and will make a colossal €120 million offer.

Coutinho was intent on joining Barcelona in the summer but was prevented from doing so, as the Reds aimed to keep hold of their star players.

It’s stated that an agreement is already in place for Coutinho to join Barcelona should the clubs come to an agreement, which could be a difficult objective for the La Liga leaders, as Liverpool still hold Coutinho in extremely high regard.