Liverpool are likely to be angry as it has been revealed that Naby Keita has picked up an injury whilst on international duty after Guinea seemingly disregarded the medical advice given to them by the Reds.
As reported by Foot224, Keita will miss Guinea’s upcoming game against Burundi with thigh and shin injuries, but that only tells part of the story.
Keita flew out to the AFCON with a pre-existing injury, one he picked up against Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final back in May. Liverpool were happy to let the midfielder go but did so after giving strong medical advice.
Keita did not start the opening game against Madagascar, but he was on the bench and with Guinea struggling in a game they were expected to win, Keita came off the bench and his side ended up taking a point from the match.
That draw put extra pressure on the clash with Nigeria and as such, the decision was made to start Keita. However, he broke down in that game and as such, he is now out of the match with Burundi.
Furthermore, journalist Alpha Balde reports that Keita has been made to train every day since his arrival at the tournament, with no extra rest or recovery, despite the fact that he arrived with the injury and nowhere near 100%.
That news will likely infuriate Liverpool and could put a strain on the relationship between the Reds and the Guinean national team.
In addition, Keita himself was reportedly unhappy with the pressure that he felt from head coach Paul Put to perform at the AFCON, so that relationship is also something to keep an eye on.
