Liverpool's Mane out up to 6 weeks with hamstring problem

Liverpool received a devastating blow Tuesday with confirmation that pacy winger Sadio Mane suffered a hamstring injury while playing for Senegal.

The Reds believe Mane will be sidelined for up to six weeks. Should the 25-year-old need that long to recover, he'd miss key Premier League clashes against Manchester United and Tottenham, as well as a pair of Champions League tilts versus Maribor.

To make matters worse, he could lose a race against time to be fit for Senegal's final two World Cup qualifiers on Nov. 10 and 14.

Mane picked up the ailment in the latter stages of his country's 2-0 victory over Cape Verde Islands last weekend. Senegal is currently atop Group D in the Confederation of African Football with eight points from four matches.

The former Southampton forward already lost significant playing time earlier this season due to a suspension for a violent collision with Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson. Liverpool dropped points in two of the subsequent three matches Mane sat out.

Jurgen Klopp's side also struggled in Mane's absence last January, producing just one win in seven matches while he was away on Africa Cup of Nations duty.

The difference, however, is that Liverpool now has a wealth of options in attack. With Mohamed Salah playing on the right flank, Philippe Coutinho could take over Mane's role as a left winger. A change in formation could also accommodate one of Dominic Solanke or Daniel Sturridge.

Adam Lallana may even recover in time from a thigh injury to ease the blow. He's been sent to the Aspire clinic in Qatar to expedite the rehabilitation process.