Klopp rates Mane chances of facing Norwich in Prem opener

Jurgen Klopp is considering Sadio Mane as part of his squad for Liverpool’s opening Premier League game against Norwich on Friday night.

Mane only reported back to Melwood on Monday, having missed the Community Shield as he enjoyed a break following the culmination of the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Senegal star had a shorter holiday than the rest of his team-mates and although it still remains to be seen whether Mane will start at Anfield, Klopp admitted that he is fit enough to take part.

!He only had two weeks off, so you don’t lose a lot [of fitness]—that’s the good news!”, he joked.

“He looks fit, yes he’s an option.

“Yesterday was his first session with the team, because Monday he came in at 4 o’clock when we had already left, then Tuesday the team was off and he had his individual session, yesterday now with the team first time.

“He looks absolutely OK, in good spirits and looking forward to it. So yes, he’s an option, but we will see.”

Divock Origi started in Mane’s place against Man City at Wembley and could be retained to take on the Canaries.

But Mane’s availability bolsters Klopp’s attacking options, along with the likes of Roberto Firmino, Mo Salah, Xherdan Shaqiri, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Harvey Elliott and Rhian Brewster.

Klopp added that the remainder of his squad is fit and ready, bar the injured Nathaniel Clyne, with James Milner back in training after missing the Community Shield.

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