Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Naby Keita is set for a spell on the sidelines with a muscle injury, but Thiago Alcantara is on track to return to Liverpool team training next week.
The Guinean enjoyed an impressive March international break with Guinea, registering a goal and assist in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ethiopia. However, he was forced off at half-time as his nation ran out 3-2 winners.
Keita, who is set to leave the Reds at the end of his contract this summer, has only made eight appearances in the Premier League this season because of injury. Meanwhile, he hasn’t featured for Liverpool since being withdrawn at the interval following a poor performance against Crystal Palace.
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And Klopp has now revealed that the 28-year-old is set for another spell on the sidelines, but didn’t rule him out of the season.
“Naby’s out,” the German said at his pre-match press conference ahead of the Reds’ trip to Man City. “He came back with a muscle injury from the national team. We will see how long it takes.
“The season is not too long anymore. There is a chance Naby comes back but we have to wait a little bit.”
Meanwhile, Klopp also confirmed that Thiago is closing in on a return to training. The Spaniard hasn’t Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat away at Wolves at the start of February because of a hip injury.
“Thiago’s in a good way but was not part of team training yet,” he said. “I think, if things go well, he will probably be part of next week’s team training. Parts means we will see when he’s back.
“Rhys Williams has a little bit of something. I think pretty much the rest is available. All back. We had a little stomach bugs, here and there, but stopped two days ago so should be alright.”
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