[ad_pod ]
Naby Keita will not be fit to play in the Champions League final, potentially opening the door for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to make a sensational return.
Liverpool are still waiting on the fitness of Roberto Firmino, but Keita is definitely out, Jurgen Klopp has confirmed.
“No chance for Naby,” Klopp said when quizzed about the Guinean, as reported by Sky Sports.
“He is progressing well but we will see how it will work out for him for African Cup of Nations, we don’t know that yet.”
After a difficult start to his debut campaign at Anfield, the 24 year-old enjoyed an excellent end to the season, proving why the manager was do desperate to sign him from Red Bull Leipzig, but how can the Reds adjust without their most inventive midfielder?
Has Alisson been Liverpool’s most important signing of the season? Check out the video below to find out why Jurgen Klopp thinks so…
On the chalkboard
It is inevitable that three of Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Gini Wijnaldum and Fabinho will start the final in Madrid.
Henderson and Wijnaldum are likely nailed on after their semi-final performances, and Fabinho is surely the ideal candidate to shield the back four from the likes of Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen.
However, none of those four offer true playmaking skills going forward, which is why Oxlade-Chamberlain’s impact as a substitute could be vital.
The 25 year-old will almost certainly start on the bench, and if the Reds need a goal he should be the first man off it.
The former Gunner’s ability to pull defenders towards him with his dribbling should open up spaces for the front three to exploit, just as Keita did before his injury.
His pace and energy against tired legs could completely change the course of the game in the second half, and his relationship with Mohamed Salah could well be the thing that unlocks the Egyptian’s path to final stardom.
Over a year on from the knee injury that ended the fan favourite’s hopes of making a difference in Kiev, what a fairy-tale it would be if he made one in Madrid instead.
Keita’s absence is a blow for the former Leipzig man, but a huge blessing in disguise for potential super-sub Oxlade Chamberlain.