Burnley hoping Defour fit for Middlesbrough clash

© Provided by Goal Liverpool forward Sadio Mane Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insisted his side can cope with the loss of injured forward Sadio Mane, who will miss the rest of the Premier League season. The news has come as a blow to Liverpool's top-four hopes, having watched Mane scored 13 goals and add five assists in 27 appearances. However, Klopp believes Liverpool have shown they are capable of performing in the Senegal international's absence – pointing to the chances created without Mane in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth. "I know everyone was talking before about how we miss Sadio Mane and we do miss Sadio Mane but he doesn't help us too much in defending and we created enough chances to have scored more," Klopp said ahead of Saturday's trip to Stoke City.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insisted his side can cope with the loss of injured forward Sadio Mane, who will miss the rest of the Premier League season. The news has come as a blow to Liverpool's top-four hopes, having watched Mane scored 13 goals and add five assists in 27 appearances. However, Klopp believes Liverpool have shown they are capable of performing in the Senegal international's absence – pointing to the chances created without Mane in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth. "I know everyone was talking before about how we miss Sadio Mane and we do miss Sadio Mane but he doesn't help us too much in defending and we created enough chances to have scored more," Klopp said ahead of Saturday's trip to Stoke City.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insisted his side can cope with the loss of injured forward Sadio Mane, who will miss the rest of the Premier League season. Mane will sit out the remainder of the campaign due to a knee injury, which requires surgery following an awkward tangle with Leighton Baines during last week's Merseyside derby victory over Everton. The news has come as a blow to Liverpool's top-four hopes, having watched Mane scored 13 goals and add five assists in 27 appearances. However, Klopp believes Liverpool have shown they are capable of performing in the Senegal international's absence – pointing to the chances created without Mane in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth.

Steve Agnew insists that the "fighting spirit" is still evident in the Middlesbrough squad as they aim to pull off the great escape. Despite the precarious situation Boro find themselves in and injuries to key players such as Calum Chambers, George Friend and Fabio, Agnew is adamant that the players are desperate to start picking up points to try and drag those above them back into trouble. He told his pre-match press conference on Friday: "The players understand the frustrations and disappointment, and spirits are good. Burnley are virtually safe from relegation but have yet to win an away game so far in the Premier League this season, but Agnew is aware of the test they will provide. "The majority of their points have been at home, but they are a hardworking and difficult team to break down.

DEJECTED Middlesbrough fans have been urged to keep believing ahead of today’s home game with Burnley. But caretaker boss Steve Agnew claims that disappointment not despair is the overwhelming emotion inside the dressing room. “They all know what we have to do and it starts with three points against Burnley. Hull - FDR average: 2.44 “They all know what we have to do and it starts with three points against Burnley” Middlesbrough caretaker boss Steve Agnew “Of course, it’s tough.