Naby Keita could miss Africa Cup of Nations with thigh injury

The midfielder has grown in prominence as the season has progressed

Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita will miss the end of the season after picking up a thigh injury during the Reds' 3-0 defeat to Barcelona on Wednesday night. Keita, who has impressed as the months have gone on in his first season at Liverpool, went off injured during the semi-final first leg after picking up the injury halfway through the first half. The injury means that he will definitely miss the remainder of the club football season, as well as ruling him doubtful for the Africa Cup of Nations, which begins on June 21. "It is unlucky," said Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. "A high-grade adductor injury; the tendon is ruptured. "Bad news for us and him as the Africa Cup of Nations is coming up." Keita began his first season at Anfield slowly before gradually rising in prominence in Klopp's title-chasing side. He has scored a number of crucial goals in the last month and has become a crucial figure in the Reds midfield.