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Report: Mane returns to Liverpool training ahead of West Ham clash

Paul Childs / Reuters

At a time when injuries are rearing their ugly head at almost every turn, and just before the busiest few weeks of the season, Liverpool fans have reason to sleep well tonight.

Senegalese winger Sadio Mane has been deemed fit to play ahead of Sunday's Premier League match with West Ham, according to James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo.

Mane flew with the team to Barcelona and was able to take part in first team training at the Centre D'Alt Rendiment de Dant Cugat on Tuesday.

The trip to Spain was conjured up by eccentric manager Jurgen Klopp in an attempt to flee from the freezing temperatures of Merseyside, and to help his side forget about their nightmarish match at the weekend.

The 24-year-old's condition was previously uncertain following his limping around the pitch during Liverpool's 4-3 loss and meltdown to minnow Bournemouth.

The ex-Southampton star was subbed off by Jurgen Klopp in the 69th minute and Cherries manager Eddie Howe exploited Liverpool's lack of pace on the counter attack.

Related: Klopp expects Coutinho to miss around 5 weeks

Mane was in terrific form before picking up the slight knock, and he has the most goals for The Reds this year, recording seven in 13 appearances, even though he is playing out on the wing.

Although goals are important for a Liverpool side who tend to simply try to score more than it concedes, the loss of newly acquired Joel Matip proved costly on the south coast.

Matip is arguably the one central defender who has been solid all season for a Klopp side that is lacking in defensive security and stability.

The return of Mane and Matip comes at a pivotal time, as striker Daniel Sturridge is still out with a calf issue and star man Philippe Coutinho is sidelined for at least another four weeks.

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