Keita returns to Liverpool training after nearly three months out with hamstring injury
- Keita comeback set to boost Klopp’s team
- Guinea midfielder suffered injury on July 30
- 27-year-old’s long-term future still uncertain
WHAT HAPPENED? The Guinea midfielder suffered the injury during the Reds’ 3-1 victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield on July 30 and has not featured again this season.
Keita looks to be close to making his maiden Premier League appearance of the season soon, after getting pictured taking part in Liverpool’s training on Thursday.
Thursday tune-up 💪
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 20, 2022
Check out our gallery from today's session at the AXA Training Centre ⤵️
WHAT DID KLOPP SAY? “Oxlade [Chamberlain] is getting closer. Yesterday, in full team training but that needs time. He was out for a while. Now, we have to make sure he can put all the sessions in his legs that he needs. Naby is now in parts of team training. Slightly different,” said Klopp while providing an injury update about his squad on Wednesday.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Keita joined teammates in training a day after Jurgen Klopp’s men beat West Ham 1-0 to make it back-to-back Premier League wins.
The former RB Leipzig midfielder was involved in the entire training session, using the ball and dodging cones at AXA Training Centre in Kirby, in what will be a boost to Klopp who has had to deal with a number of injuries this season.
Keita has not enjoyed a full season since joining Liverpool in 2018, missing 72 games over that period, having struggled with ankle, groin and hamstring problems.
His poor injury record has seen him fail to receive assurances over whether he will get a new contract from the club with his current deal less than a year before it concludes.
The 27-year-old had to deal with competition in Liverpool’s midfield that has Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Thiago, Curtis Jones, James Milner, Arthur Melo, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho.
WHAT’S MORE? Klopp would like to keep the 27-year-old but will be seeking replacements in case he departs at the end of his contract. “Naby will not go but if he would, there must be a replacement, of course,” Klopp told the club’s website last month.
WHAT’S NEXT? Liverpool host Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday when Keita will hope to be involved but if he does not pass the fitness test, he could play a part in next Wednesday’s Champions League tie away to Ajax Amsterdam.