Naby Keita To Miss Guinea Friendly Against Chile

Guinea and Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita has pulled out of Syli Nationale that will take on Chile in an international friendly set to be played on September 15 in Spain.

The 23-year-old will not join up with the Syli Nationale as Liverpool reported the midfielder has not fully recovered from a muscle strain that kept him out for six weeks.

Syli Nationale coach Didier Six has confirmed to reporters that Czech Republic-based Kamso Mara has been called up to replace Keita.

“Considering his physical condition, I would like Naby Keita to rest for these two matches,” said Didier. “I think Liverpool were reluctant when we selected Naby [Keita]. We have two tough friendly matches, especially against Chile, so I decided to make a change to the squad.”

Guinea are also set to face Comoros in a low-profile friendly against Comoros on 12 October in France.

Keita was ruled out of 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt after two group matches after aggravating the adductor muscle injury which ruled him out of the last season’s Champions League final.

Guinea will be using the friendly against Chile as part of preparations for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Syli Nationale are in Group A for the Nations Cup tournament alongside Mali, Namibia and Liberia or Chad.

Guinea will open their campaign at home against West African rivals Mali on 11 November.