Ginola on Liverpool losing Sadio Mané: A massive loss for Klopp
The Senegal star came back from a hamstring problem to feature in the Reds’ 4-1 Premier League win over West Ham 10 days ago.
And he subsequently jetted off on international duty as his country looked to book their place at next year’s World Cup.
Mane helped Senegal secure their qualification for the tournament in Russia over the weekend and has since been allowed to return to Liverpool.
Worries have since been raised that Mane has suffered a recurrence of the hamstring injury which ruled him out of five Liverpool games.
Klopp has now addressed those concerns with Mane soon due back at the club's Melwood training ground.
"First and foremost, I have to say big congratulations to Senegal on the achievement of qualifying for the World Cup; this is fantastic news for their country and the players - Sadio included," Klopp explained.
"Aliou Cisse and his guys have done a fantastic job there and you can see them making a real impact in Russia come next summer.
"Personally speaking, I’m delighted for Sadio. Everyone in Liverpool knows his ability and the best players should be on the best stage - Sadio will now have this wonderful chance.
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Sadio Mane missed five Liverpool games with a hamstring injury sustained on Senegal duty in October
So, in this moment all I can really say with certainty is that we will assess Sadio as soon as he lands back in the country
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp
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"Specifically on him returning to Melwood early to be with us; obviously it is a concern that the hamstring injury is again on the agenda and it will be critical for us to monitor and manage that in the coming days.
"At this stage we haven’t seen Sadio yet to properly assess the extent, but what is clear is that we will have to stay on top of this for the rest of the week and make sure we are careful in how we look after him.
"There has been really strong communication between ourselves and the Senegal team management to ensure the player is properly protected and looked after.
"We respect how important he is for Senegal and therefore it must always be the case that they get to make the decision when he is under their care.
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Sadio Mane has flourished since joining Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool last summer
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"It should not be forgotten in Liverpool, either, how important it is to Sadio that he represents his country whenever he is fit enough to do so. He is so proud of his country and recognises what a role model he is for them.
"So, in this moment all I can really say with certainty is that we will assess Sadio as soon as he lands back in the country and make decisions on what rehab and treatment gives him the best chance of being back fit and strong for the important fixtures we have coming."
Liverpool are back in Premier League action on Saturday when they play host to Mane's old side, Southampton.
Klopp's men currently sit fifth in the table, 12 points adrift of leaders Manchester City.
