Liverpool's Sadio Mane could return for Chelsea match at Anfield

Image: Liverpool have won just once since Sadio Mane left for international duty

Liverpool will fly Sadio Mane home from the African Cup of Nations by private jet and could have him available for Tuesday's Premier League clash with Chelsea.

The Senegal star was distraught on Saturday night after missing the critical penalty in a 5-4 shootout defeat to Cameroon and such is his importance to the Reds it is understood they have taken special measures to get him back as soon as possible.

It remains to be seen whether Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will throw him straight back in to the starting XI.

The 24-year-old would have to at least train on Monday afternoon to stand a chance of making the bench at Anfield the following evening.

Jurgen Klopp admits Liverpool's low confidence played a part in their 2-1 defeat at home to Wolves in the fourth round of the FA Cup

His absence has coincided with the worst run of results since Klopp took over.

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Liverpool have won only once since his last involvement in the 2-2 draw at struggling Sunderland on January 2.

The Reds have also been knocked out of both the EFL and FA Cups and seen their title challenge falter to such an extent they are now battling to stay in the top four.

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Image: Mane's missed penalty saw Senegal exit the Africa Cup of Nations

"Hopefully we all can recover and the crowd can recover and look forward to the game on Tuesday," Liverpool manager Klopp said after Saturday's 2-1 FA Cup fourth round defeat by Wolves.

"It is a home game against the leader of the league and we need everyone for the game."

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