OPINION
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp could face his biggest selection headache of the season when his team take on Huddersfield Town this weekend.
As reported by the Liverpool Echo, winger Sadio Mane is facing a race against time to be fit for the clash with the Terriers, meaning that Klopp could face a potential selection crisis.
They report that the 26-year-old has undergone surgery to repair a bone in his left hand – but it is not yet known when he will make a return.
This is a worse case scenario, as Mane has been one of the most important players for the Reds this season – and Klopp cannot do without his quality on the pitch.
Liverpool would be lost without Mane and his lack of presence will really be felt if he is ruled out of this fixture.
He is involved with the majority of Liverpool’s creative and attacking play, and no one heeds the same influence on the team like Mane does.
His form may have dipped in recent weeks, but that does not define how pivotal he is to the team’s success – after all, it is not only his form that has dipped.
Klopp no doubt wants to match Manchester City point for point in the Premier League title race, but Liverpool may have just been handed a major blow in that bid.
The Reds need Mane more than ever, especially as the report states that Klopp is also sweating about whether Mo Salah will be fit for the Huddersfield game.
However, Liverpool may have to cope without at least one half of this talented pair – and that is the last thing that Klopp would have wanted at the moment.
The fact that it is not yet known when the flyer will return must also be rather worrying for Klopp, but one thing is for sure – they will really miss his influence during his absence.
