Sadio Mane and Mamadou Sakho return to training ahead of EFL Cup clash

Liverpool have received a double injury boost after Mamadou Sakho and Sadio Mane returned to first-team training ahead of their game against Burton Albion on Tuesday (23 August). The duo are unlikely to feature for the Reds in their second-round EFL Cup clash, but could be available for their clash against Tottenham on Saturday.

The duo were pictured training at the Reds' Melwood base along with the other members of the first-team as they prepared for their trip to Staffordshire on Tuesday. Sakho is returning from a lengthy absence owing to an Achilles injury, while Mane is returning after a one-game absence following a minor knock to the shoulder in training.

The Frenchman, who picked up the injury just before the start of pre-season, has not played since 23 April, when he was handed a suspension following the investigation by Uefa over an alleged doping infringement. The allegations have since been dismissed allowing the player to return to action. He will now be keen to force himself into manager Jurgen Klopp's plans for the rest of the campaign.

The Times, however, reports that the France international could be sent on loan for the rest of the campaign after failing below Dejan Lovren, Ragnar Klavan and Joel Matip in the pecking order. Klopp is keen for the defender to play regular football and recapture his form from last season.

Mane, on the other hand, gave the club staff a scare when he injured his shoulder during training, with reports suggesting a lengthy layoff. However, the club allayed fears of a major injury and the manager will be delighted to see him back with the rest of the squad. The former Southampton star, who missed the Merseyside club's shock loss to Burnley in their second Premier League game, is likely to return to the first-team squad for their trip to White Hart Lane.