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Guinea to be without Naby Keita at AFCON as injury rules out midfielder for 2 months

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Naby Keita

Guinea will miss the services of midfielder Naby Keita during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt, as the Liverpool star has been ruled out for two months.

The midfielder, who limped off during Liverpool’s Champions League semifinal defeat at Barcelona, picked up a thigh injury after a hard tackle in the 19th minute.

Keita has produced his best Liverpool form since joining the Reds this season will miss their final Premier League games against Newcastle and Wolves plus the second leg against Barcelona.

The AFCON is set to kick off on June 21, with Guinea drawn in Group B alongside Nigeria, Burundi and Madagascar.

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“Naby is really unlucky,” Liverpool boss, Jurgen Klopp said during his news conference on Friday.

“It is bad news, unfortunately. It is an adductor injury and he has ruptured a tendon.

“Bad news for us but bad news for him with the African Cup on Nations coming up. He was in a really good moment.

“Of course it is a very interesting part of the season he is not part of but I also don’t think Guinea is a regular start for the African Cup of Nations.”

Liverpool take on Newcastle at St. James park this weekend as they continue their chase on the Premier League title, with Manchester City leading in the race.

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