Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Sadio Mane will return to training where staff will determine how ready he is to make the trip to Burnley on Sunday.
The Reds forward has been away on international duty since early January helping his Senegal national side create history as the "Lions of Teranga" won their first ever Africa Cup of Nations with Mane a key figure.
The Liverpool striker registered three goals and two assists in seven games as Senegal went all the way, toppling Mohamed Salah's Egypt in a final that saw Mane miss an early penalty to spark fears his country would fall short once again.
In the end, it was Mane who converted the winning spot-kick during the shootout after extra-time once 120 minutes had passed with neither side scoring.
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He was allowed to remain in Senegal to soak up the celebrations for an extra few days, but has since returned to Merseyside and took part in his first training session back on Friday morning.
"Sadio will come for training this morning and then we will make a decision after that," Klopp told reporters ahead of Sunday's clash at Turf Moor.
"Physically, we have to see how intense the past few days have been for him."
The Liverpool boss also went on to confirm that they will enjoy the boost of Jordan Henderson's return against Burnley after the Reds skipper endured a spell on the side-lines with injury.
Mane and Henderson return at a crucial stage of the season where Klopp's side will be looking to do all they can to bridge the gap between table-toppers Manchester City and themselves.
Pep Guardiola's side are nine points ahead of the Reds and have played one game more, meaning if Liverpool win their game in hand just six points will separate the pair with 14 games left.
Mane has arrived back at Liverpool to the sight of a new attacking teammate in the form of former FC Porto star Luis Diaz.
The winger was purchased at the tail-end of the January transfer window and has already made an impressive start to life in the Premier League.
The Colombian was a constant thorn in the side of Leicester City as Brendan Rodgers had a torrid return to Anfield as he watched Diogo Jota put his Foxes to the sword.
After the game, Klopp was full of praise for Mane's new teammate.
"It was one of the best first games I saw from a new player," the German explained.
"Last night was a good opportunity to start him with Sadio not back and Mo coming back from an intense tournament. Luis showed up."
