Sadio Mané will have knee surgery in London on Tuesday with the aim of returning to pre-season training with Liverpool in July.

The Senegal international, a key figure in Liverpool’s pursuit of Champions League qualification, has been ruled out for the rest of the season after damaging the meniscus in his left knee during the Merseyside derby defeat of Everton on 1 April.

Jürgen Klopp, the Liverpool manager, confirmed last week that the 24-year-old needed an operation and would not figure on his plans again this season, and the procedure will take place on Tuesday morning.

Mané will have an eight-week recovery period after the operation but should be available for pre-season training with Liverpool providing there are no complications. “He will get a longer break and be ready for next season,” Klopp said last week. “That is the only good news.”

The former Southampton striker has flourished at Anfield since his £34m transfer last summer and is Liverpool’s leading goalscorer with 13 goals this term.