Liverpool are concerned that Sadio Mane will play no further part in this Premier League season because of a knee ligament injury, reports Daily Mail.
The Senegal winger hobbled out of the Merseyside derby after colliding with Leighton Baines, although he insisted he was OK after the game.
Mane, 24, had a scan on Sunday but swelling around the joint had not gone down enough on Monday to determine the extent of the damage.
There is no suggestion Mane has damaged his anterior cruciate ligament.
He is not on crutches and his left knee is not in a brace, but surgery has not been ruled out.
Mane is Liverpool’s top scorer with 13 goals in an outstanding season, and definitely misses Wednesday’s game against Bournemouth and Saturday’s trip to Stoke.
If he is out for the season, it will be another big blow to Jurgen Klopp, who is already without injured Adam Lallana for up to a month and Jordan Henderson, while Daniel Sturridge is only edging back to fitness after a hip issue.
Klopp’s squad looks increasingly threadbare but Divock Origi, who scored the goal that secured Saturday’s 3-1 win over Everton, is determined to seize his chance.
Origi has endured a season of frustration and has only started seven Premier League games. He spoke out while away on international duty about the lack of opportunities he had been afforded but is ready to make an impact now.
‘I always said that I’m ready to be an important player for the team,’ said Origi. ‘I really believe it. I’m not just an option for the future, I’m an option for now. I want to do everything to get in the team.
‘The coach has several choices and that is only good for the team. Like I said, the team is most important and we have to finish strong. I hope I can play a big part in the end of the season.
‘I’m very ambitious and I believe in my qualities. Like I say, I’m ready and ready now to do whatever. But you have to put everything in and show it on the pitch. I always respect the decision of the coach.’
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