Naby Keita's long-term future at Liverpool remains up in the air as his injury woes continue, according to journalist James Pearce.
The Lowdown: Keita can't catch a break
The Guinean has had a hugely frustrating Reds career, with injuries continuing to stunt his progress, having only made 86 appearances in three-and-a-bit seasons at Anfield.
Keita is currently sidelined with a hamstring issue after going off against Brighton last weekend, with another spell on the sidelines expected.
Having impressed so much in the 5-0 win at Manchester United, receiving a nine-out-of-10 rating from This Is Anfield, this is another cruel setback.
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The Latest: Pearce unsure over future
Speaking in a Q&A for The Athletic after Liverpool's 2-0 win at home to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night, Pearce admitted it is hard to predict how Keita's Reds career will pan out:
"I think that's a decision for next summer. Tough call to make currently. I feel very sorry for Keita. He responded brilliantly to being taken off in Madrid with arguably his best performance for the club v United. He rightly got loads of praise.
"Then he avoids serious injury from that horrible Pogba challenge and you think his luck is changing. Then he pulls up holding his hamstring last weekend..... I just hope he's back soon after the international break."
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The Verdict: Last chance saloon
In terms of talent, Keita's importance for Liverpool is undeniable, having averaged a cool and composed 90.9% pass completion rate in the Champions League this season and a tenacious 2.3 tackles per game in the league, the latter of which is the best in the squad.
Sadly, it is pointless persevering with him if he keeps getting injured, however, given the way it affects the Reds' rhythm, in terms of team selection.
The hope is that Keita will eventually overcome these woes, but the current signs aren't exactly positive - he has racked up 11 different injuries since arriving on Merseyside.
In other news, some Liverpool fans are unhappy at some key news that has emerged. Read more here.