Hardly-seen Liverpool player set for key role after Keita injury update – pundit
Paul Robinson has suggested Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is in line to replace the injured Naby Keita in the Liverpool starting XI.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former England goalkeeper claimed Curtis Jones and defender Joel Matip may also fight for a place in midfield.
Keita was stretchered off after being on the receiving end of a dangerous Paul Pogba challenge against Manchester United on Sunday.
As quoted by talkSPORT (25th October), Jurgen Klopp revealed the midfielder was in serious pain but “looked okay in the dressing room” afterwards.
Keita was pictured back in training on Thursday but Robinson is pessimistic about the Guinea international’s chances of making a swift return.
He suggested Oxlade-Chamberlain, 28, and Jones, 20, would battle it out for a starting role.
“It was a shame to see him injured,” Robinson told Football Insider.
“He didn’t look good. We await the prognosis but he didn’t look good. That again is a testament to Liverpool’s squad depth.
“We know they didn’t sign anyone in the window, they signed players to long-term contracts.
“It’s going to be a chance for Curtis Jones, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Matip may play in there if they play defensively.
“You look at their squad, they aren’t blessed with a huge squad so it will be a test of their squad again.”
Oxlade-Chamberlain started the 2-0 midweek League Cup win over Preston North End as well as the 3-0 win over Norwich City in the previous round.
The England international has only made three starts in nine appearances this season.
He started the same number in 17 games last term after returning from a serious knee injury.
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