Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool’s Naby Keita will also miss Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Everton after the midfielder was injured in the pre-match warmup before Thursday’s 2-0 win over Sheffield United.
Keita was set to start in midfield against The Blades, however, he picked up what seems to be a groin injury in the pre-game warmup routine. James Milner then started in his place when the extent of Keita’s injury was discovered.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Klopp confirmed that Keita will not be available for selection for Sunday’s Merseyside derby in the FA Cup.
“I don’t know exactly what he has – it was the groin – but I can say already he will not be involved against Everton.
“That makes it 12 adult players we have [available], plus the kids, so that’s not cool, but we cannot change it.
“I have no clue how it happened, I think it was the last shot in the warm-up when he felt something. He came in [the dressing room] and was limping.
“Everybody who has played football has had this kind of injury and it’s not nice, it’s painful. I don’t know exactly what it is or how long it will take, but I can say already he will not be ready for Sunday.”
Klopp will not want to risk many senior players for the Everton game on Sunday. The Reds are already without Fabinho, Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Xherdan Shaqiri, Nathaniel Clyne and Rhian Brewster.
With Keita now added to that list, Liverpool must manage the next month or so very carefully. There is still a lot of work to be done in the second half of the season – a Premier League title has to be won and Klopp’s Redmen will also be looking to defend their Champions League crown.
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