Last updated on .From the section Football

Sadio Mane joined Liverpool on a five-year deal in June 2016

Liverpool forward Sadio Mane is set to return to training within 10 days after recovering from a knee injury.

Mane, 25, needed surgery and missed the final eight games of last season after picking up the injury during a 3-1 win over Everton on 1 April.

He is set to miss Liverpool's opening pre-season friendlies.

"He will continue to be monitored and assessed by the club's medical staff to ensure he returns in the best shape," said a Liverpool statement. external-link

Senegal international Mane scored 13 goals in 27 Premier League games after signing from Southampton for £34m in June 2016.

He damaged cartilage in his left knee in a collision with Leighton Baines against Everton.

Mane is unlikely to be ready as Liverpool begin their pre-season programme at Tranmere on 12 July before travelling to Wigan two days later.

Liverpool start the 2017-18 Premier League campaign at home to Watford on 12 August (12:30 BST).