Liverpool's medical staff last week insisted that the former Southampton man would be out for six weeks witht he injury that he picked up during the international break, though Senegal are not so sure.
Mane suffered the injury on October 7 in a 2-0 win over Cape Verde but Senegal coach Aliou Cisse is confident that the player will be back for for the double header against South Africa early next month.
"In my mind there's no doubt he will be with us for the double header against South Africa and that he will be 100% fit," the Senegal coach explained.
"Until now, he has just been doing some individual training - running in straight lines - but from next week, he is going to train harder and start working with the ball."
The former Birmingham midfielder's comments threaten to open up a club-versus-country row though Liverpool will certainly fight tooth and nail to protect the welbeing of one of their key players.