Liverpool star Naby Keita did not play in the clash against Manchester United in the International Champions Cup.
The Guinea international could not play in the 2-1 win over Manchester City either as Jurgen Klopp had claimed that the player was suffering from a sore neck and the German has now revealed how the former RB Leipzig man picked up the injury.
The manager revealed (h/t Liverpool Echo) that it was only a stiff neck but it seems the 8-hour flight had an effect on Keita.
“It’s really only a stiff neck, but the eight hours on the plane with the air conditioning… it was quite comfortable but obviously not comfortable enough for him! Since then it’s getting better, absolutely.
“He will not train today but what will happen tomorrow, we have another session tomorrow morning, we will see. If somebody tells me overnight it’s now perfect, then we will use him.”
The player is set to miss the training sessions as well but Klopp stated that the injury was not serious, which is a good sign as we have a training camp in France coming up.
Keita should be one of the players starting the Premier League opener against West Ham United. The Guinea international has been in decent form in the few pre-season games he has played and should play alongside another new boy, Fabinho.
The Reds have brought in a number of new faces ahead of the season and it will be interesting to see how we do in a competitive fixture.
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The pre-season games against City and United are good to ensure fitness but the real test would begin once the Premier League season starts.
