Naby Keita’s issue last night was with his back and not his circulatory system, we’re pleased to say.
There was a worry that he couldn’t breathe properly, and even some claims he’d had a heart attack, but thankfully, these were false. However, we don’t know exactly how long Keita will be in hospital for after the Guinean was rushed there during the defeat to Napoli.
Liverpool’s official statement read: “Liverpool Football Club can confirm Naby Keita was taken to hospital in Naples on Wednesday evening during the first half of the Champions League fixture with SSC Napoli.
“The midfielder started the game at the Stadio San Paolo, but was substituted inside the opening 20 minutes and replaced by Jordan Henderson after alerting the team’s medical staff to back pain.
“Keita was transferred to a local hospital with the club doctor, where – with the midfielder’s agreement – he underwent a number of precautionary health checks to assess his condition.
“No decision has yet been taken on when the 23-year-old will be discharged. Liverpool are scheduled to remain in Italy until Thursday morning before flying back to England.”
We cannot imagine that with Keita in an Italian hospital on Thursday morning, he’ll be available for Sunday against Manchester City, but in all honesty, this is the least of our concerns.
He seemed in a genuine amount of pain and stress when he dropped to the floor and it wasn’t nice to see. We then have an international break of two weeks, which may actually work in his benefit as he likely won’t go away with his country and will have more time to recover without the pressure of matches.\
Keita was taken off on a stretcher after just 19 minutes of the Champions League clash in Naples after complaining of severe back pain, to be replaced by club captain Jordan Henderson.
Liverpool have not yet ruled the Guinea international out of Sunday’s match against Premier League champions Manchester City, but the issue throws his participation into significant doubt.