Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita has been rule out of Guinea’s last group stage match in the African Cup of Nations against Burundi with two fresh injury issues.
Bad news for Naby Keita: he has sustained thigh and shin injuries and will miss Guinea's final group stage match against Burundi… #lfc https://t.co/pz4nQtJJkd
— Ed Aarons (@ed_aarons) June 28, 2019
Our number eight has been rushed back into the national side as he’s the standout superstar in his team – and Jurgen Klopp will likely be furious at the injury news.
From a selfish perspective, it’s probably a blessing in disguise as Guinea will be severely hindered by not having their talisman available and are likely to be eliminated.
It’s a real shame for Naby, and fans of the Guinea national team, but he’ll be able to kick-start his summer break, properly nurse his injury, and get back fresh for next season.
Some fans believed Keita shouldn’t have even travelled for AFCON – Liverpool’s medical team did confirm that he’d likely miss the tournament before their Guinea counterparts claimed he’d only be out for a couple of weeks.
He should never have gone to the Afcon he wasn't ready.
— LFCZA 🇿🇦 (@LFCZA) June 28, 2019
National teams and clubs rarely see eye to eye when it comes to players’ fitness – put simply, nations seem to favour short-term outlooks while clubs will focus on long-term setbacks.
In short – Keita has been rushed back, and now Liverpool may have to face the consequences of their actions. Not good.