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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Injury News series, which considers the impact of the latest updates on players’ fitness
The sight of Sadio Mane being hauled off at Stamford Bridge after N’Golo Kante’s goal may have caused concern for Liverpool fans, but there could be good news regarding his situation.
What’s the latest?
Mane had been struggling in the time leading up to his substitution due to what his manager confirmed was a dead leg, and despite impacting him significantly to warrant coming off, his injury may not be as bad as first feared.
Klopp told LiverpoolFC.com that the decision to take him off was a precaution after realising he wasn’t able to perform to his normal physical capacity, but also acknowledged that it was a problematic injury to incur.
“It was a knock on the bone, around the knee, and a dead leg – that’s an awful combination.”
As a result, the forward will likely be watched closely over the coming days to assess his situation and how he is overcoming the injury, and it is likely he will sit out the trip to MK Dons in order to allow himself time to heal.
A chance for others?
The Carabao cup clash with the League One side would likely have seen Klopp make significant changes to his team regardless of Mane’s injury, but it gives him extra reason to leave the Senegal international out of the side, as well as other key players in the team.
That means there is a great likelihood of a fringe player getting his chance, or perhaps even a young player like summer signing Harvey Elliott or Rhian Brewster, both of whom have impressed academy manager Neil Critchley already this season.
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Divock Origi is also unavailable, and if Liverpool are without the pair for the foreseeable future it is a brilliant opportunity for young players to get game time, or for the frustrated Xherdan Shaqiri to prove he is worthy of starting regularly in the team.
Considering it is only a dead leg Mane should be back in action soon, with Liverpool facing some tough fixtures after the visit to Sheffield United, including trips to Manchester United and Tottenham.