Liverpool issue statement over Keita hospital visit

Joe Williams

Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita was taken to hospital for further examination of a back injury sustained in the 1-0 Champions League defeat to Napoli in Italy.

The Guinea international, on his debut in the competition for the club he joined in the summer, lasted just 19 minutes before going to ground on the pitch and eventually being taken off on the medical cart.

Press Association Sport understands Keita was subsequently transported to a local hospital as a precaution after complaining of severe pain.

The team have an overnight stay in Naples so Keita’s condition will be assessed again in the morning.

There is no indication yet whether the injury will rule him out of Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash at home to Manchester City.

And Liverpool have since released an update on their official website on the injury situation.

“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,” it read.

“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 [Andy Massey], 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.”