After being forced off in their 3-0 defeat at Barcelona last night, it has now been confirmed that Liverpool’s £50m midfielder Naby Keita will miss Saturday’s game at St James’ Park.
Liverpool were unlucky at the Nou Camp, creating several chances and dominating the game at times, but ultimately being undone by a few moments of brilliance from Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
Unfortunately for them, their luck hasn’t got much better ahead of this weekend’s title-deciding clash on Tyneside. It’s now been confirmed that Keita will miss the remainder of their season – a real blow for the Reds following his rise to form in recent weeks.
It’s also unknown whether Roberto Firmino will be risked at Newcastle, with the Brazilian not fit enough to start in Barcelona.
Not only will they be devastated to lose a game they performed so well in during last night’s Champions League semi-final, such a tough midweek game may give us a physical advantage ahead of our Premier League clash in little over 48 hours time.
Liverpool have had an incredible season – they were so unlucky last night and will be wondering how 91 points with two games to go doesn’t have them top of the Premier League – but the reality is that their season could be over in the space of 72 hours should they drop points on Saturday.
They’ve had a hectic week, will be left regretting big chances missed at the Nou Camp, have lost their £50m midfielder and have a huge game against Barcelona next Tuesday – so we may just be catching Liverpool at a good time on Saturday.
If they play like they did last night and take their chances then we’re in for a long night, but Benitez will be fancying his chances if Jurgen Klopp’s men arrive with any sort of hangover on Saturday.
