Sadio Mané has been ruled out for the remainder of the season as he needs surgery on a knee injury.

The 24-year-old, who sustained meniscus damage in a challenge with Leighton Baines in last week’s 3-1 victory over Everton, has had the knee in a brace all week and been walking on crutches. Liverpool’s medical staff were hoping they could avoid an operation but the decision has been taken to write off the Senegal forward’s campaign and get him fit again for pre-season.

“I am pretty sure Sadio will need surgery but I am not 100% sure when it will happen, but then it is clear ‘season over’,” said Jürgen Klopp, the Liverpool manager. “That is what I half-expected when I saw him after the game. I felt he was lucky that not more happened but we are close enough to the end of the season that it will be pretty much impossible to play again this season. He will get a longer break and will be ready for next season. That is the only good news.”

There was more bad news for Klopp with Philippe Coutinho emerging as a major doubt for Saturday’s trip to Stoke. The Brazilian was sick at half-time of Wednesday’s draw with Bournemouth and has not been into the training ground since. “Phil is still ill. He was not at Melwood yesterday and he will not be here today,” added Klopp. “He feels much better but we will have to see if we can bring him tomorrow.”