Liverpool have been handed a major boost as Sadio Mane has returned to training ahead of schedule.
The 25-year-old sustained a hamstring injury while on international duty with Senegal last month, and was initially expected to be out for six weeks.
However, Mane made his return to full training at Liverpool's Melwood training ground on Thursday, less than a month after picking up the injury.
Smiles all round at Melwood 😁 pic.twitter.com/zFrNDNRLjm
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) 2 November 2017
Mane will reportedly not be considered for Saturday's Premier League meeting with West Ham United, with his comeback drafted in for the game against former club Southampton at Anfield after the international break on November 18.
In addition, Mane has been named in Senegal's squad for the World Cup qualifying double-header against South Africa on November 10 and 14.