The Guinean Football Federation have announced that Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita will not take part in September's matches due to injury.
The 27-year-old most recently turned out for Liverpool in the Community Shield against Manchester City back in July and is yet to make a Premier League appearance this term.
Keita was an unused substitute in the Reds' draw with Crystal Palace on August 15, but he has been absent from each of their last six games in all tournaments due to a hamstring injury.
Despite Jurgen Klopp admitting that Keita would be out for a "while", the former RB Leipzig man was a surprise inclusion in Guinea's squad for September's friendlies against Algeria and Ivory Coast.
However, the Guinean Football Federation have performed a U-turn on their decision to include Keita, who will no longer be representing his country this month as he continues his rehabilitation.
© Reuters
"The midfielder and captain of the Syli National will not be able to honor his summons on the sidelines of the international break in September 2022 due to his state of physical health," a statement read.
"Selected as the 24th player, Naby Keita was followed closely by the technical staff of the national team of Guinea. His state of health has been the subject of particular attention and regular exchanges have taken place between the Guinean Football Federation, Liverpool Football Club and the player.
"As indicated by the national coach on September 7, 2022, Mr. Kaba Diawara, a final assessment was made by the technical staff. It has been noted that the player's situation is improving. However, according to the medical report sent by the Liverpool Football Club, Naby Keita is considered too fair for the two games of Guinea.
"The technical staff of the Guinea national team has made the final decision to let the player continue his club's treatment protocol in order to allow him to return to competition as soon as possible and be available for the next national team matches. and in clubs."
Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were both left out of Liverpool's Champions League group-stage squad, and Klopp affirmed last week that he expected the former to remain in Merseyside for treatment.
© Reuters
"No, I don't expect him (Keita) to go on international duty. The expected return date is somewhere in October, that's why we had to make the decision," Klopp told the press ahead of his side's 2-1 win over Ajax.
"With Ox it is the same and that's why the two boys are not in the Champions League squad because of their expected return."
Keita has registered a total of 11 goals and seven assists from 117 outings for Liverpool in all competitions, but he has missed a further 69 games due to injury and illness woes.
While Keita will not be joining up with his international teammates this month, Jordan Henderson has been called up to the England squad to replace Kalvin Phillips for September's Nations League games with Italy and Germany.
Henderson suffered a serious hamstring injury against Newcastle United earlier this month, but Liverpool have revealed that the 32-year-old is set to return to full training this week.
Liverpool - who are also working without Calvin Ramsay, Caoimhin Kelleher, Andy Robertson, Curtis Jones and Ibrahima Konate - return to Premier League action with the visit of Brighton & Hove Albion to Anfield on October 1.
