Jurgen Klopp has revealed Sadio Mane wasn’t originally scheduled to start for Liverpool against Burnley on Sunday, only for a minor injury to Diogo Jota to force the Reds to change their plans.
The forward missed Liverpool’s victory over Leicester City in midweek after being granted additional time off following Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations win last weekend.
Mohamed Salah made his own return from international duty as a substitute against the Foxes, and Mane had been expected to be granted the same treatment against the Clarets at Turf Moor.
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But after Jota was forced to miss training on Saturday, Klopp confirmed Liverpool had changed their planned starting XI.
"Jota was due to start, with Sadio coming from the bench today,” he told Sky Sports ahead of kick-off.
“But Jota had a dead leg and couldn't train yesterday. Now he looks fine but we were not sure.
“We prepared everything with Sadio, knowing he knows what to do."
Jota, who scored twice against Leicester on Thursday, was passed fit to take his place on the bench against Burnley, along with January signing Luis Diaz.
Klopp has made four changes to the side that beat the Foxes with Salah and Naby Keita also named in the starting XI and captain Jordan Henderson returning following a back injury.
The action gets underway at 2pm.
