Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp offered encouraging news regarding Naby Keita’s recovery this Thursday, signaling potential good tidings for both the club and Guinea’s national team ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. The Guinean midfielder, sidelined with a left adductor injury sustained in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final on May 1, is reportedly “a little ahead” of Liverpool’s rehabilitation schedule. Although his initial recovery was expected to take eight weeks, Keita has made notable progress, including performing sprints at reduced intensity.
Klopp, however, remained cautious about predicting Keita’s participation in the upcoming Champions League final against Tottenham on June 1 or the AFCON, stressing that while the midfielder is advancing in his rehabilitation, “that doesn’t mean anything about his participation in the final.” The Liverpool manager emphasized that the player must be fully fit before returning to competitive action, adding, “If Naby isn’t 100%, he can’t play… It doesn’t matter if it’s for his country or his club.”
The midfielder’s potential availability has sparked hope among Guinea’s technical staff and supporters, who are eager to see Keita feature for the Syli National in Egypt. Klopp acknowledged these expectations, noting, “For me, it would be good if Naby could be 100% fit and play in the Africa Cup of Nations… a player who is fit and able to play should represent his country, in my opinion.”
Paul Put, the Belgian coach of the Guinean national team, also expressed optimism in an interview with L’Equipe, suggesting that Keita could join the squad for the tournament. Guinea, drawn in Group B, will face Madagascar on June 22, Nigeria on June 26, and Burundi on June 30. The team is counting on Keita’s creativity, energy, and experience in midfield to strengthen their chances of progressing from the group stage.
Keita’s recovery timeline and eventual participation remain uncertain, but the midfielder’s current progress is a positive sign. Both Liverpool and Guinea will monitor his condition closely over the coming weeks to ensure he returns to full fitness before committing to high-intensity matches. His involvement in the Champions League final and the Africa Cup of Nations could provide a major boost for both club and country, highlighting his importance as a key figure in midfield for the teams he represents.
