It’s not officially confirmed as of yet, but it appears that Liverpool will be without the services of Naby Keita for the rest of the season. At this point though, “the season” just means two more Premier League fixtures and the home leg of the UCL semifinal tie with FC Barcelona.
Well, there could be one more game if Liverpool can somehow pull out a miracle comeback and defy all odds, and somehow advance to the UEFA Champions League final. According to a tweet from the Mirror’s David Maddock, the “injury doesn’t look good. Small adductor tear, a muscle in the groin, will likely be out for a month.”
Liverpool still assessing Keita, but injury doesn’t look good. Small adductor tear, a muscle in the groin, will likely be out for a month. So #LFC season over.
— David Maddock (@MaddockMirror) May 2, 2019
Other than the summer transfer window acquisition from the Bundesliga, Adam Lallana is Liverpool’s only other injury concern ahead of their next match, a must-win trip to Newcastle United on Saturday.
The trip to St. James’ Park could see the first real extended period of action for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who made a brief cameo versus Huddersfield.
Jurgen Klopp said The Ox has trained normally since his featuring.
“It’s good. To have him around again is cool,” the German said.
“He reacted well but it’s small steps for him. The first small step – which was very nice and important – was against Huddersfield so we will see what the next one is for him. [There has been no negative reaction], he trained completely normally.”
Meanwhile for the hosts, Ayoze Perez was forced off in the first half of the Magpies’ draw with Brighton and could miss out.
Jamaal Lascelles also faces a late fitness test, but Sean Longstaff, Florian Lejeune and Miguel Almiron are all effectively ruled out of this one.
Liverpool FC at Newcastle United FYIs
Kickoff- Saturday May 4, St. James Park 7:45 pm
Liverpool starting XI prediction: go to this link
Form guide: Liverpool WWWWW Newcastle United DWWLL
Google Result Probability: Liverpool win 71%, Draw 19%, Newcastle United win 10%
Liverpool 2, Newcastle United 0
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, the author of “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry,” regularly appears on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
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