Liverpool 'hopeful of Sadio Mane avoiding rib injury' on Senegal duty

Liverpool are reportedly hopeful that Sadio Mane will return from the international break with a clean bill of health, despite being subbed off during Senegal's 1-1 draw with Togo.

Mane took a hit to the ribs during the match and left the field grimacing shortly after.

Mane was promptly substituted for Villarreal's Boulaye Dia in the 28th minute, after showing signs of pain following an aerial challenge.

The scenes sparked fears among the Liverpool fan base, though Senegal have moved to ease concerns after first team coach Aliou Cisse came out to confirm to reporters after the match that all was well.

Cisse said: 'We took him off as a precaution and there is nothing serious.'

Now, Liverpool are said to be hopeful that one of their three deadly trident of attackers has avoided any further issues, as report the Athletic.

It is said that Liverpool currently have no plans to fly Mane back to Merseyside early from international duty, but instead will wait to see how the issue settles down.

Senegal have already won their group and Mane is unlikely to feature in this Sunday’s game against Congo.

The Reds are already without Roberto Firmino, who is expected to miss over a month with a hamstring injury sustained during the recent Champions League match with Atletico Madrid.

The Reds have a jam-packed schedule coming up after the international break.

They will hope to bounce back from their first defeat of the season to West Ham, when they play Arsenal at Anfield next weekend.

They are currently without a number of key players with Firmino, Curtis Jones, James Milner, Naby Keita and Harvey Elliott missing recent games.