Jurgen Klopp has an injury update on Naby Keita as they prepare to take on Newcastle United tomorrow.
Liverpool succumbed to a 3-0 defeat to Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League Semifinals at Nou Camp. Jurgen Klopp was not only dealt with that result blow, but the Reds midfielder Naby Keita was forced to be withdrawn in the first half after picking up an injury.
When the Guinean picked up the ball, Ivan Rakitic clattered into him and caught his leg which ended Keita’s game. It was a tough pill to swallow for the midfielder who looked really assured with the ball and ran the show early on in the game.
Ahead of the clash against Newcastle United tomorrow, Jurgen Klopp spoke about Naby Keita’s unavailability for the rest of the campaign. The midfielder will face two-months injury layoff which automatically rules him out for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON). That tournament kicks off after the conclusion of this season.
Klopp confirmed that his tendon is ruptured: “It was really unlucky. Bad news. High grade adductor injury. The tendon is ruptured. Will keep him out for at least 2 months. Bad news for us and for Guinea with the Africa Cup of Nations coming up. Not nice.”
It is a piece of really bad news for Liverpool as Keita was starting to find his old mojo, scoring three and assisting one from last five games. The Guinean was struggling to break into the starting lineup earlier, but he looked in his groove over the last month.
Klopp also threw a hint on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s first start on Saturday. The English International could start his first game this season after suffering knee injury against Roma in the Champions League Semis last season.
Klopp on Oxlade-Chamberlain: “Perfect that he’s back. We will see. For sure he will be in the squad and we will decide who starts.”
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Liverpool will face Newcastle United on Saturday before taking on Barcelona on Tuesday at Anfield.
