Former Manchester United and Spurs player Garth Crooks is of the opinion that Jurgen Klopp should rest Sadio Mane so that he doesn’t sustain any massive injury.
The Senegal international had a very hectic summer in Egypt as he led his nation to their first AFCON final since 2002. Mane returned to Liverpool just a couple of weeks after the competition and has already netted three goals in as many games.
Klopp benched him for Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Norwich City where he did play as a substitute. Mane started the UEFA Super Cup against Chelsea and netted a brace which eventually earned him the Man of the Match award.
The 27-year old then scored a stunning goal against former club Southampton before assisting Roberto Firmino’s strike.
Despite having a very short break, Mane has looked very lively on the pitch. However, Crooks feels that Klopp should not over-play him.
Speaking to BBC, the 61-year old said: “The Senegal international was on top of his game again after a hectic summer of football in the Africa Cup of Nations. While there has been talk of Mane not getting sufficient time off to recuperate from the tournament, he looked sharper and fitter than anyone else on the field against Southampton.
“Jurgen Klopp needs to be very careful not to overplay Mane. If he does and loses the player through injury, he could live to regret it.”
There’s no doubt that Mane will need to be rested on a few occasions due to lack of a proper break. However, given his importance and form, Klopp will find it very hard to replace him much throughout the season.
That said, there are a couple of options Liverpool have. Of course there’s Divock Origi who played at left wing against Norwich, then there’s Xherdan Shaqiri who could also come in.
Given Liverpool’s current fixtures, the one match where Mane can be rested is the one against Sheffield United next month.
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