Liverpool and Guinea midfielder Naby Keita will miss the 2019 African Cup of Nations with an abductor injury.
Keita hobbled off during Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat in the hands of Barcelona on Wednesday night and he’s now set to sit out of action for at least two months.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that the attacking midfielder will be sidelined for at least two months ruling him out of the bi-annual African premier tourney.
“It was really unlucky. Bad news, he has a high-grade abductor injury; the tendon is ruptured, which keeps him out for at least two months, “Klopp told the club website.
“Bad news for us obviously, but bad news for Guinea as well because the Africa Cup of Nations is coming up.”
“He was in a really good moment – a really, really good moment – but it happened, that’s how football and life sometimes are. It’s not too nice, but it’s very serious,” he added. “I’m sure he’s not in the best moment but he’s OK,” Klopp continued. “I think there are two things – a very interesting part of the season and he is not part of [it], that’s one thing.”
“On the other hand, I don’t think Guinea are a regular starter for the Africa Cup of Nations, so I’m sure that was a big, big target for him as well. “Of course, he is not in a good moment, but that’s the moment when you have to help the players and we will try everything we can,” he concluded.