Liverpool 'urge Sadio Mane to miss AFCON quarter-final'

Liverpool have reportedly urged Sadio Mane to sit out Senegal's Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final with Equatorial Guinea following his concussion scare against Cape Verde in the previous round.

The former Southampton man appeared to have been knocked clean out when he hit the deck following a nasty clash of heads with goalkeeper Vozinha, leading to a red card for the Cape Verde man.

Mane controversially played on and opened the scoring with a delightful effort before staggering off the field, although both he and Vozinha posted a positive update from hospital.

However, the Daily Mail claims that Liverpool have asked Mane to miss Senegal's quarter-final battle on Sunday in order to protect his health, even with x-rays showing no signs of serious injury.

The report adds that the Reds do not possess the power to make such a decision over whether Mane plays, but they have also touched base with Senegalese authorities to make their feelings clear.

Mane's opener against Cape Verde was his 27th strike in 82 appearances for Senegal, while he boasts 10 in all competitions for Jurgen Klopp's side this term.