According to reports from Sky Sports, Mohamed Salah’s injury is more serious than first feared and the Egyptian international has been given ‘extended time off’ to aid the rehabilitation process. This could present the perfect opportunity for Sadio Mane to take the No.1 mantle.
Salah, 27, has enjoyed a strong start to the season netting nine goals in 17 appearances in all competitions for the Reds this term. Mane, 27, has been in similar as irresistible form scoring 11 times in all competitions this season – including in Sunday’s 3-1 victory over Manchester City.
The Senegalese ace has been the European champions standout forward this season starting exactly where he left off from last season. Mane has more league goals (7) than any other Reds player so far this campaign and has been the club’s most reliable asset in front of goal.
His injury-time winner against Aston Villa a fortnight ago was one of the most significant goals of the season as it defined Klopp’s label as a team full of ‘mentality giants’. Mane has also scored in vital matches against Leicester City, Southampton and also bagged a brace in the UEFA Super Cup victory against Chelsea.
(Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)
At times Mane has had to settle for the understudy role in terms of Liverpool’s global star behind Salah. The former Roma forward has lit up the world since his £34 million move in 2017.
The former Chelsea star has 80 goals in 124 appearances for the Reds becoming the quickest player in club history to reach half a century of Liverpool goals.
However, with two world-beaters such as Mane and Salah, there is always going to be competition in-terms of striving to be the best. The recent outburst from the Senegal international in Liverpool’s 3-0 win at Burnley after Salah failed to pass to his teammate typifies the desire for each individual to be the best.
Mane has had less of the limelight compared to Salah since the Egyptian arrived on Merseyside. However, the signing of his fellow African teammate has taken Mane’s game to a whole new level.
Both players complement each other so effortlessly and the duo’s pursuit of greatness redefine why Liverpool have quickly emerged as nearly men to Champions League winners.
Salah and Mane will both undoubtedly have one main priority in securing the club’s first league title since 1990 but the extended absence of the former could finally present the latter with the opportunity of establishing himself as the Red’s main man in front of goal.