Liverpool have confirmed that Naby Keita is “safe and well”, after getting caught up in a military coup in his native Guinea.
But the club now face the tricky challenge of returning the 26 year old to the UK, as coup leaders swiftly closed all borders and announced a nationwide curfew after overthrowing President Alpha Condé.
Keita had been due to play for his country in the Guinea capital Conakry in a World Cup qualifier against Morocco on Monday, but the match was hastily postponed as firefights broke out nearby.
Reports suggested there was heavy gunfire for most of Sunday, as a group of soldiers stormed the presidential palace in the city, and seized power from the President, who was detained.
A spokesperson for Liverpool explained that efforts are now underway to get Keita out of the country as swiftly as possible.
“Obviously the situation is fluid and we will maintain regular dialogue with the relevant authorities as we work to get Naby back to Liverpool in a timely and secure manner.”
The club though, face difficulties in flying Keita out of Conakry, after the military leaders closed all airports and ports.
The Morocco national team did manage to make it out of Guinea before borders were closed, with the squad - which included Wolves defender Roman Saiss, QPR’s Ilias Chair and Watford pair Adam Masina and Imran Louza - escorted to the airport and given safe passage.
Keita though, is understood to still be in Guinea, as negotiations continue with the military leaders over his exit to return to play for Liverpool.
How soon can Liverpool expect Keita to be match-ready upon his return? Comment below.
In a broadcast on state TV on Sunday night, a group of soldiers announced the dissolution of the constitution, the closure of the borders and a nationwide curfew.
They said regional governors had been replaced by military commanders, and the ousted 83-year-old president was safe but in detention.
It is not year clear whether the coup, led by the head of the army’s special forces, has the backing of the entire military. Keita may be forced to wait until details emerge of a proposed transition to a government of ‘national union’.
