Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Naby Keita's stiff neck, which will keep him out of Saturday's clash with Manchester United, was caused by the eight-hour flight to the United States.
The £52million summer signing complained of a stiff neck after the transatlantic journey and has been forced to sit out training for the next few days. He also missed the International Champions Cup win over Manchester City earlier this week and will not play in the tour-ending match at Michigan Stadium.
Klopp told a press conference on Friday: “It’s really only a stiff neck, but the eight hours on the plane with the air conditioning… it was quite comfortable but obviously not comfortable enough for him! Since then it’s getting better, absolutely.”
The German manager added that the injury is not serious, saying: “We’ve all had a stiff neck - sometimes it’s gone overnight and sometimes not. In this case obviously not.” Keita has managed some pre-season action, including impressive showings against Blackburn and Chester in the UK, and a USA appearance against Borussia Dortmund.
