Jurgen Klopp admits the decision to leave out Sadio Mane from Liverpool's FA Cup win over Nottingham Forest was taken so his team selection would not be "misunderstood" in Africa ahead of the international break.
Mane's Senegal go up against Mohamed Salah's Egypt later this month in a crucial World Cup qualifier as the two Africa Cup of Nations finalists meet once more.
Mane played no part of the 1-0 win at the City Ground despite being cleared to feature as Diogo Jota's goal settled a hard-fought tie the way of the visitors to set up a semi-final with Manchester City.