Liverpool are baffled by the latest comments from Guinea manager Paul Put over Naby Keita's involvement in the African Cup of Nations.
Guinea boss Put claimed he had to put "a lot of pressure" on Liverpool so that the European Champions would release midfielder Keita in time for a warm-up match against tournament hosts Egypt this Sunday.
The African Cup of Nations starts on June 21 with Egypt against Zimbabwe, while Guinea's first game is against Madagascar the following day.
Keita has been out of action with an adductor injury since May 1 and missed Liverpool's Champions League final triumph over Tottenham .
However, he has joined up with the Guinea squad ahead of the Egypt clash.
Keita's rehabilitation is on track and the club are relaxed about him going to AFCON.
And that is why Liverpool were surprised by Put's comments, according to the Daily Mail .
Put said: "I put a lot of pressure on Liverpool to (send him) as soon as possible.
"In the end, I said that if Naby does not come now, it will be difficult to put (him on) the list for Africa Cup of Nations. He said he will play against Egypt."
Keita has said he is not 100% fit - so any involvement in AFCON would be a worry for Liverpool fans .
“I am very happy to meet my teammates,” Keita is quoted as saying by Guineefoot.info .
“I am hoping to start work now even though I am not 100% fit, but when I was in Liverpool - I had already started training with the ball.
“Upon my arrival here, I am going to train with the team to see what’s next. I like to assure the fans, my teammates and the coach that I should be ready for Guinea’s first match.
“I am 100% motivated."
