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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Ian Doyle

Naby Keita makes Liverpool return as injury fears rise over midfielder

Naby Keita is returning to Liverpool for treatment on a thigh problem as fears increase over the fitness of the midfielder.

Keita is expected back at Melwood inside the next 24 hours after being released from the Guinea squad at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

The 24-year-old sat out his country's final group game against Burundi on Sunday, which Guinea won 2-0 to progress to the knockout stages.

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Keita suffered injuries to his thigh and shin during the 1-0 defeat to Nigeria on Wednesday, having made a 29-minute appearance from the bench in the 2-2 group opener against Madagascar on June 22.

And having reportedly been consulted by a Liverpool doctor before Sunday's match against Burundi, he was now been sent back to Melwood for further assessment and treatment.

The Liverpool midfielder had initially been expected to miss this summer's Africa Cup of Nations after suffering an adductor injury during the Champions League semi-final first leg defeat in Barcelona on May 1.

Naby Keita celebrates Liverpool's 4-0 win over Barcelona

Keita's fitness became a controversial topic with Guinea disagreeing with Liverpool's prognosis of two months on the sidelines and determined to ensure the player was available for the tournament.

Guinea will now hope Keita can return to their squad in time for the knockout stages, which start on Friday. Guinea have qualified as one of the highest points-scoring third-placed teams.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are mindful of the long-term effects of Keita having made an earlier return to action than expected.

The player was hampered by a succession of injuries during his debut season at Liverpool following his £52.75million arrival from RB Leipzig last summer.

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