Sadio Mane falling out of favour at Anfield?

by Bertin Basson

Wednesday Dec 27, 2017. 18:00

Senegal international Sadio Mane failed to make it off the bench as Liverpool thrashed Swansea City 5-0 in the English Premier League on Tuesday evening.

The 25-year-old has only featured in 80 minutes of football for the Reds in their last three matches, as Jurgen Klopp continues to rotate his squad during what is a busy Festive Season.

There is no doubt, though, that Mohamed Salah has stolen some of Mane's shine with the Egyptian having netted 21 goals in all competitions this season.

Asked about Mane's exclusion in aftermath of their win over the Swans, Klopp had the following the say:

"Sadio is fit but we thought we had to start in one way and then we need full strength over the full 95 minutes so we can make important changes," Klopp said.

"The most important thing is the game tonight, there's no alternative [way] to think about it.

"We have to be as good as possible, as strong as possible, tonight and then we will see. A lot of things can happen but it's not allowed to think about Leicester or Burnley.

"We need to make sure that we are ready for this game, that's all," Klopp concluded.

Liverpool welcome the Foxes to Anfield on Saturday before travelling to Turf Moor on New Year's day.

Mane has scored seven goals in 15 appearances this season, chipping in with a further five assists.