Naby Keïta is facing a late and unlikely fitness test after a consultation with a Liverpool doctor to see whether he can feature for Guinea’s final group game against Burundi in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Keïta had seemingly recovered from injury with the Reds to feature for Guinea at AFCON, but further knocks forced him off the pitch in a 1-0 defeat to Nigeria on Wednesday.
According to Foot 224 journalist, Amadou Makadji, the Reds midfielder will have to wait and see if he is able to play in Guinea’s next tie against Burundi though it seems he will have to sit it out.
Naby #Keita “A Liverpool doctor consulted me yesterday. I was fine. I’m not sure to play tomorrow. we have a training just now. Then, the coach will decide” #LFC pic.twitter.com/OB4qRBCDrP
— Amadou Makadji™ 🇬🇳 (@ThAmadouMakadji) June 29, 2019
His latest injury is not the news Jürgen Klopp or Reds will want to hear.
Further bad news must unfortunately be added to this – it was reported Liverpool advised medical caution over Keïta, which was not only seemingly ignored by Paul Put, but completely rejected.
Alpha Balde reports that Keita was made to train everyday since his arrival at the #AFCON2019 and had no rest, despite arriving injured and only part way through his recovery.. #LFChttps://t.co/v8lYjoPURR
— Chris Williams (@Chris78Williams) June 28, 2019
According to Chris Williams, via Alpha Balde, caution was thrown to the wind and the Reds midfielder has really been put through his paces despite arriving in Egypt carrying injury concerns.
This all means Keïta could return to Melwood earlier than expected.
Their most recent loss means Guinea must beat Burundi and pray that already-qualified Nigeria get a win against second-placed Madagascar to have any hope of progressing from Group B.