Sadio Mane Injury Update: Liverpool Star Fitness Boost Ahead of Leicester Match

Liverpool winger Sadio Mane has returned from international duty without any fitness issues, despite concerns he could be set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering an injury on Saturday with Senegal.

Per the Press Association (h/t ITV), Mane is "fit and well" even though he was substituted in Senegal's match against Namibia at the weekend, with Reds manager Jurgen Klopp being given a "positive response" to his enquiry about the winger.

Further, Mane was able to return to Liverpool's Melwood training ground on Monday. Goal's Melissa Reddy shared a picture of the 24-year-old:

Bleacher Report UK's Jack Lusby was relieved by the news:

The Reds raised more than a few eyebrows when they signed the winger from Southampton for £34 million, but Mane has made a strong start to his Anfield career and has thus far proved to be an excellent acquisition.

His pace and direct approach are almost unrivalled in Liverpool's squad. He can terrorise defenders by dribbling past them or getting in behind, and his final ball appears to be improving somewhat as well.

The Guardian's Sachin Nakrani noted the effect he's had on the Anfield faithful:

Perhaps the most direct replacement for him would be youngster Sheyi Ojo, thanks to his pace and physicality. But Klopp could view the 19-year-old as something of a gamble, as he's made just eight Premier League appearances in his career.

Georginio Wijnaldum, Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana can all provide cover on the right, while even Divock Origi could prove a viable option there in the short term, given his versatility and work rate.

Mane's presence is undoubtedly a boost, though. He's made a real impact at Liverpool so far, and his presence gives them a stronger chance of claiming three points against champions Leicester City on Saturday.