Sadio Mane has been released from the Senegal squad early and will be assessed by Liverpool over the next 24 hours after suffering a 'slight' recurrence of a hamstring injury.

At this stage Mane's issue seems to be a minor concern. Liverpool are hopeful it will not impact on his involvement in this weekend’s Premier League meeting with Southampton, but will have a clearer picture on the player's return to Merseyside.

Tellingly, manager Jurgen Klopp issued an upbeat message of congratulations to Senegal on their World Cup qualification, which suggested the Liverpool coach was diplomatically thanking the federation for Mane’s early release as much as fretting on the striker’s fitness.

Liverpool sent their own physio, Scott McAuley, to Africa with Mane so Klopp has been regularly updated on his player’s condition. At this stage, his swift return to Liverpool appears more precautionary, but Senegal naturally wish to offer the fullest explanation for their star player’s absence in the final World Cup qualifier with South Africa.

“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 told Liverpoolfc.com.