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Jurgen Klopp details extent of Sadio Mane injury after Liverpool ace spotted with ice pack
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp already has a number of injury issues to contend with.
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Sadio Mane was pictured with an ice bag on his knees after being substituted in Liverpool's 1-0 win over Ajax on Wednesday, but Jurgen Klopp has played down any fears that he's dealing with a long-term problem. The Reds were forced to make a few changes against Ajax in their first match without Virgil van Dijk being available.
Joel Matip was also unable to make the trip, meaning Fabinho started alongside Joe Gomez at the back.
Curtis Jones was handed a Champions League start in midfield alongside Georginio Wijnaldum and James Milner.
And Klopp went with the usual front three of Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.
Mane looked the most likely to open the deadlock in the first half as he battled his way into the Ajax box on multiple occasions.
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And the breakthrough eventually came 10 minutes before the break in bizarre circumstances.
Mane brilliantly raced past a couple defenders into the Ajax box before scuffing his shot, which looked to be going wide.
But his effort went straight to Nicolas Tagliafico, who was unable to sort his feet out in time as he deflected the ball into his own net.
Klopp brought off the front three on the hour mark but there was some concern among Liverpool fans as Mane could be seen with ice on his knees.
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However, Klopp insists Mane was simply taking some precautionary measures to help deal with a pre-existing issue.
"Sadio has since a few days a dead leg and deals with that in that area," Klopp said post-match.
"That's the only thing why it's still painful but it's not a problem.
"When he doesn't play, he puts ice on it."
With Van Dijk potentially out injured for the remainder of the season, Klopp will not want any more of his star players to pick up any serious injuries.
Mane has been in excellent form in the Premier League, scoring four in as many matches.
Liverpool return to action on Saturday night when they take on Sheffield United, which could see Rhian Brewster feature against his former club.