Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has got exactly what he wanted regarding Naby Keita, with the midfielder stepping out of international duty.
The former RB Leipzig star has been out of action since the Reds’ Community Shield success over Manchester City with a hamstring injury - the problem seeing him miss out on a place in Liverpool ’s squad for the Champions League group stages.
It remains to be seen when the 27-year-old will be back in action but Klopp previously suggested that he was hopeful that Keita would not be called up by Guinea for the upcoming international break where they will take on Algeria and the Ivory Coast.
The German said: “No, I don’t expect him [Keita] to go on international duty.
“The expected return date is somewhere in October, that’s why we had to make the decision. With Ox it is the same and that’s why the two boys are not in the Champions League squad because of their expected return."
Now, Keita’s nation have confirmed that the midfielder will not be available to be called upon for the upcoming matches.
Where will Liverpool finish in the Premier League this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below
A statement read: "The midfielder and captain of the Syli National will not be able to honor his summons on the sidelines of the international break in September 2022 due to his state of physical health. Selected as the 24th player, Naby Keita was followed closely by the technical staff of the national team of Guinea.
"His state of health has been the subject of particular attention and regular exchanges have taken place between the Guinean Football Federation, Liverpool Football Club and the player. As indicated by the national coach on September 7, 2022, Mr. Kaba Diawara, a final assessment was made by the technical staff.
"It has been noted that the player's situation is improving. However, according to the medical report sent by the Liverpool Football Club, Naby Keita is considered too fair for the two games of Guinea. The technical staff of the Guinea national team has made the final decision to let the player continue his club's treatment protocol in order to allow him to return to competition as soon as possible and be available for the next national team matches. and in clubs."
Keita has 50 caps in all for Guinea having been part of the national team set up since 2012 when he was with French outfit FC Istres. In the time since, he has scored 11 goals.
His injury woes have been the latest in a long line of fitness issues for Liverpool this season with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ibrahima Konate, Curtis Jones and more having been struggling with various problems.
