Reduced Strength Of Liverpool In The Merseyside Derby

JAKARTA - Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Naby Keita will miss the FA Cup match against Everton on Sunday, January 5. The midfielder suffered a thigh injury before the Reds beat Sheffield United 2-0 on Thursday.

Keita was originally included in the starting XI to face the Blades in the Premier League, but warm-up problems forced him to step aside. James Milner was then appointed by Klopp as his replacement.

Keita's injury is the latest in a long list of fitness problems the Guinea midfielder has had to face since moving from RB Leipzig. The 24-year-old has only made five appearances in the Premier League this season.

Klopp is not sure how badly Keita's injury is. However, it seems that he has to enter the treatment room and be absent for some time.

"I don't know exactly what he had - it was a groin injury - but I can say that he will not be involved against Everton," Klopp told reporters. Launch Soccerway, Friday, January 3.

Slight change to the side tonight. Naby is replaced by Milner in the starting XI. Williams now on the bench. #LIVSHU pic.twitter.com/JgLYZc8yJU

- Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 2, 2020

"Keita's injury leaves us with only 12 adult players, plus junior players, so this condition is not cool, but we can't change it," continued the coach.

Klopp explained that he did not know how Keita's injury happened. He thought that once Keita took the warm-up kick, that's where the players felt something.

"He entered (the locker room) and limped," he said.

"Everyone who plays football has an injury like this and it is not good, it hurts. I don't know exactly what it is or how long it will take, but I can say he is not ready for Sunday," concluded the former Borussia Dortmund coach.

👀👋 pic.twitter.com/tMFonu86ef

- - (@ 8NabyKeita) February 19, 2019

Following this Merseyside derby, Liverpool will be in Premier League action on January 11 against Tottenham Hotspur.