Liverpool face nervous wait on fitness of key duo ahead of EPL return

Dan Clubbe
@dan_clubbe
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2 years ago
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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp faces a nervous wait on the fitness of two key first-team stars.

Jordan Henderson and Sadio Mane were both sent home from their respective nation’s international duty early in the last few days with suspected issues.

Now the Reds are facing an anxious wait to discover whether the precautionary returns will rule them out for the Premier League clash with Arsenal this weekend.

Jordan Henderson and Sadio Mane have both returned to Liverpool where they will be assessed after picking up injuries on international duty.

The pair could be doubts for Saturday's game against Arsenal. [@LivEchoLFC]
— Anfield Edition (@AnfieldEdition) November 14, 2021

Henderson played 90 minutes on Friday as the Three Lions beat Albania 5-0, scoring and assisting in a performance described as ‘absolutely magnificent’ by Dean Ashton.

Meanwhile, Mane’s 75th cap was short-lived as the superstar winger left the field in Togo following a knock to the ribs after 28 minutes.

This season the Senegalese ace has been in breathtaking form, netting eight goals in 15 appearances across all competitions.

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This would’ve been exactly what Klopp didn’t need over this international break.

Already without Roberto Firmino, Harvey Elliott and Naby Keita, Liverpool need all their remaining options fit and available.

Whilst neither are expected to be long-term absentees, it would appear that there is likely to be a race against time to be fit for the Anfield showdown.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Thiago and Fabinho would likely make up the midfield in the event of Henderson’s absence, but the decision of whom to play in attack should Mane fall short is up for debate.