Klopp confirms Naby Keita to miss Champions League final vs. Tottenham

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has now made a definitive statement regarding the health and fitness of midfielder Naby Keita ahead of Saturday’s Champions League finals, and it’s a blow for the Reds. In a press conference today (as reported by the Liverpool Echo), Klopp completely ruled Keita out of Saturday’s match against Tottenham Hotspur in Madrid, but held out hope that Roberto Firmino would be ready in time to play.

“No chance for Naby (in Madrid), but [he] is really progressing well. We will see how it will work out for him for the African Cup of Nations.

“Bobby [Firmino] was in part of training last week, really good, everything looked fine. He will be fine, I am pretty sure.”

We never root for opposition injuries at Cartilage Free Captain and that continues to be the case today, but although Keita has had a bit of a shaky first season in Liverpool, he’s still a heck of a player and not having him available will be a boost to Spurs. Andy Robertson is the only other player on Liverpool’s injury list, but he also looks likely to be fit and ready for the final.