Jurgen Klopp wants Saido Mane back from international duty early
Mane played his first match in almost a month as the Reds swept aside West Ham 4-1 at the London Stadium yesterday.
The Senegal international missed the previous five games for Liverpool after picking up a hamstring injury while with his national side.
Senegal need two points from their back-to-back matches with South Africa to guarantee a place at the World Cup.
And if they win their first game on November 10, Klopp wants his star winger back to ensure he is fit for the Reds’ home clash with Southampton on November 18.
"It's the most difficult time for me but I have no problem with international games," said Klopp.
"We are happy for Senegal if they can go to the World Cup, and they need Sadio Mane for this and I understand it.
"He's fit to play - the only thing I would ask for is if they can make it in the first game it would be cool if he could come back.”
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However, Mane is keen to link up with the Senegal squad and explains how important the next two matches are for himself and his country.
"I am very happy to be back because it was not easy for me after the injury," Mane told BBC Sport.
"There's no excuse for me now - I was injured but I was always working hard.
"It's going to be a tough game because we know how South Africa is, even when they are not in good form.
"We respect them but we also know we have quality and we have a great team and I think we can do it.
"Everybody knows what it means for the country - especially the fans - and I think it will be a dream for us and hopefully God will help us to qualify.”
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