Liverpool forward Sadio Mane is confident that his teammates can cope without him in January when the pacey winger will leave the club to represent Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Mane scored a last minute winner in the Reds' crucial Merseyside derby victory on Monday evening, which moved Jurgen Klopp's side back up to second in the Premier League. His absence will be abig blow to the team, as hisimportance is underlined by his current position as the club's top scorer this season
Sadio Mane strikes deep into added time to secure a dramatic derby victory #EVELIV pic.twitter.com/s8kQ0AAUlS
But whilst some at Anfield are growing concerned about Mane's absence,the wingerisconfident that his teammates will cope without himand pointed to a number of players who will be returning from injury as the main reason why his departure will not affect Klopp's side.
The winger told theMetro: "It will not be easy for me to go with Senegal next month.
"I would love to carry on playing with my team-mates and help my team, but I think they will understand because it is my country and it is my dream.
"I will be wishing them good luck, but without me the team will be the same. Even better I think. They will cope. (Philippe) Coutinho will come back, (Joel) Matip will come back and (Daniel) Sturridge (above) is back now.
"I am very happy for Danny, it has not been easy “ he has had a lot of injuries. But you know he can deliver important performances for the team. That is why the team will be strong."
Sadio Mane has now been directly involved in 20 goals in his last 24 Premier League games.
16 goals
4 assists
So, so vital. pic.twitter.com/X85TugO11o
Meanwhile Mane's teammate, Jordan Henderson, has been singing the praises of the 24-year-old, who signed for the club last summer for an estimated £30m. The Liverpool captain hailed the improvements made by Mane since arriving at Anfield and although he admits the winger will be missed in January, he too his backingthe team to deal with the absence of their top scorer.
Henderson said (as quoted by theExpress):I always knew that he was a good player.
"I had watched him at Southampton and could tell what he was like from playing against him. But since he has come up here, he has gone up another level.
That is credit to the manager for helping him improve. It is also credit to him for wanting to improve. He has been fantastic for us this season and he will be a big miss when he goes away with Senegal.
But we have got players who can step in and we will deal with it. Whoever takes his place, it is up to them to carry on his work.�