Naby Keita injury time frame: expert’s verdict on when Liverpool midfielder could return to action

Naby Keita could be on the Liverpool sidelines for up to five weeks.

The midfielder is back in the treatment room and faces a period of unavailability for the Reds.

What happened?

Keita limped out in the first half of Liverpool's 2-2 draw against Brighton last Saturday.

The Guinea international suffered a hamstring injury and was replaced by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Jurgen Klopp has admitted that Keita will be absent for "a while" ahead of the Reds' Champions League game against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

How long will Keita be injured?

Klopp did not give a time frame on when he expects Keita to return to action.

However, according to Ben Dinnery - who has a background in injury data analysis and runs premierinjuries.com - the 26-year-old previous injury record means he could be sidelined for up to five weeks.

Speaking on Youtube channel Premier FPL Injuries, Dinnery said: “The full extent of the injury hasn't been released by the club, but what Jurgen Klopp did say is the Guinea international will be out for a while, which is a worry and a concern.

“That rules him out of the European fixture and gameweek 11 (against West Ham on Sunday) and we'll see how he responds to treatment over the international break.

“What we do know with Naby Keita is that he's suffered a couple of hamstring injuries during his time at Anfield.

“Typically, he's been spending 2-3 weeks on the sidelines before a return to play.

“But, overall, when he has suffered a time loss muscle injury, generally we're looking at 4-5 weeks for a potential return.

“As always with any injury, severity is key.

“But I would suggest we are looking at gameweek 12, gameweek 13 and even beyond that before his potential return.”

Who will replace Keita?

Although Liverpool might be without Keita for a period, they have been handed a double injury boost.

Fabinho is again available after shaking off a knee problem. He’s missed the past three matches but has been given the green light to feature against Atletico.

Thiago Alcantara is also back to full fitness, having missed the eight past matches.

The Spaniard sustained a calf injury in the 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace in September.

Oxlade-Chamberlain is also an option after assisting Sadio Mane’s goal against Brighton.

Like Keita, James Milner is injured with a hamstring issue and won’t return until after the international break.