Klopp rules Liverpool star out of Man Utd clash and sets up new recovery plan
Jurgen Klopp says Naby Keita will play no part in Liverpool's clash with Manchester United – but the Reds boss has a plan to solve the midfielder's fitness issues.
Keita played the full 90 minutes as Liverpool destroyed Crystal Palace 7-0 in the lead up to Christmas.
But the Guinean picked up a muscle problem and has not featured since the emphatic victory at Selhurst Park.
It marks the latest of a number of minor complaints this season, while Keita has been plagued by injuries since his £52.75million arrival from RB Leipzig in 2018.
Klopp has a solution to avoid future niggling injuries but his plan means Keita is not available to face United.
"Naby is not ready for involvement," Klopp told reporters in his pre-match press conference. "It is not a big thing.
"It is a little bit like with other players in the past when they came back from injuries and then because of the amount of games and situation in the squad they had to play.
"Then a little injury happened again.
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"Now we just had to put on the brake and say ‘let’s settle it properly’.
"In the moment we have alternatives in midfield, so we really try to give him all the time he needs to get 100 per cent fit.
"That is the situation, so no, he is not in contention for Sunday."
Keita started each of Liverpool's first four Premier League games this season before testing positive for coronavirus while on international duty in October.
As well as his current ankle complaint, Keita has suffered numerous groin injuries and muscle tears since his move to Anfield.
In the 25-year-old's absence and due to Jordan Henderson and Fabinho likely having to fill in at centre-back, Klopp's options in central midfield to face United are limited.
Who should Liverpool start in midfield against Manchester United? Have your say in the comments.
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