Pundit wowed by ‘amazing’ Keita update after ‘great news’ ahead of Liverpool v Brighton
Kevin Phillips has hailed Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita’s “amazing” return from injury as “great news”.
The former Sunderland striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 26-year-old’s “mindset” could have played a role in his speedy return.
Keita was stretchered off during Liverpool’s 5-0 demolition of Manchester United last Sunday following a robust challenge from Paul Pogba which earned him a red card.
As quoted by the Merseyside club’s website (October 29th), manager Jurgen Klopp said the midfielder “looks good” before confirming his probable involvement against Brighton on Saturday.
The 38-time Guinea international resumed full training with his teammates in midweek along with Thiago Alacantara, who is unavailable this weekend.
Keita’s condition will have troubled Liverpool after the midfielder missed 17 games through various injuries last term (per Transfermarkt).
Phillips insisted the former RB Leipzig midfielder is a “strong guy” after his rapid recovery from the horror challenge.
“He’s obviously a strong guy and he responded to treatment well,” he told Football Insider.
“It looked a bad one, but you never know until you assess it just how bad it is.
“Credit to the player, it’s amazing – I’ve worked with players who you think will be out for months, but they come back so quick.
“Every player is different, but it’s also about the mindset.
“It’s great news for Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp and hopefully he can be back sooner rather than later.”
The 26-year-old has made nine appearances for the Reds this term, scoring three goals.
Keita joined Liverpool in 2018 for a reported fee of almost £53million.
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