Jurgen Klopp explains Sadio Mane’s absence for Liverpool’s clash with West Ham

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed Sadio Mane suffered an injury against Tottenham, which is why he is missing from Liverpool's squad for West Ham.

Mane was a noticeable absentee when Liverpool's team sheet was announced on Sunday, which also featured two goalkeepers on the bench.

Klopp explained Mane's absence ahead of the match, confirming the forward suffered a knock, but playing down the severity of the injury.

"It happened in the game against Tottenham a couple of days ago," said the Liverpool boss. "It's nothing too serious but it's serious enough for him not to be involved today."

Liverpool have been hit hard with injuries this season, with Joel Matip the latest player to limp off for the Reds in the recent win over Tottenham.

Currently, Klopp is without Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho, Joe Gomez, Diogo Jota, Naby Keita, and of course Matip, and has had to get creative in defence.

For the West Ham clash, Klopp has been forced to pick Nathaniel Phillips at centre-back alongside midfielder Jordan Henderson.

Xherdan Shaqiri and Divock Origi, meanwhile, make up the front three alongside Mohamed Salah, with Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino named on the bench.

On Firmino's absence, Klopp said: "It's so something like this, with Sadio, doesn't happen again. We have less than 72 hours before we play. We have to try to make sure the boys recover as good as possible. That's it. Bobby's fine."

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