Kieta suffers another Liverpool setback to leave Klopp light in midfield

Liverpool 's midfield injury woes have been compounded after Naby Keita was ruled out of the Reds' trip to Brentford on Saturday.

Jurgen Klopp revealed that the 26-year-old will not feature in the Premier League match after picking up an ankle injury in midweek.

The Guinea international joins fellow playmakers Thiago Alcantara and Harvey Elliott in the treatment room.

Keita kicked the ground during Liverpool's 3-0 victory over Norwich in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday and was withdrawn at half-time for 18-year-old Tyler Morton.

Having scored to help the Reds beat Crystal Palace by the same scoreline last weekend, the former RB Leipzig star was establishing himself as a regular starter in the absence of Thiago and Elliott.

Keita will not play for Liverpool against Brentford ( Image:

PA)

In his pre-match press conference, Klopp shed light on his condition.

"[The injury is] nothing serious but it keeps him out of Brentford, for sure. A little longer maybe, we will see," the Liverpool boss confirmed.

"It's painful and we have to see how he deals with it. Not cool. A good pre-season and played a lot of games but it happens."

Klopp was first asked to provide an update Thiago, who limped off late on in the 3-0 crushing of Palace at Anfield last Saturday after another impressive performance.

Thiago picked up a calf injury against Crystal Palace ( Image:

PA)

"It's not 100% clear. It's a muscle in the calf," the German revealed. "It's an issue, obviously."

He then clarified when the Spanish midfielder could return.

"After the international break probably. I don't think it would be anything earlier."

Alongisde Keita's replacement, Morton, two other teenagers featured.

Right-back Conor Bradley and 16-year-old Kaide Gordon each played 90 minutes and impressed Klopp.

"We had a great pre-season and lots of the kids were with us," the Reds manager added "The coaches and the staff at the Academy are doing a brilliant job. [There are] loads of real talents.

"Three played v Norwich and I was impressed, so was everyone. 16-years-old in an adult game, you don't find 1000s of people who do that."

But next on the agenda is Thomas Frank's Brentford, who Klopp sees similarities with to his former side.

"It reminds me of the time I coached at Mainz," he stated. "We had to work in the transfer market cleverly. Brentford have a chance against us.

"They are well-drilled and it's 3-5-2. Everyone is ready to make the extra yard with a new stadium."

Klopp also had praise for striker Ivan Toney, who has two Premier League goals to his name, saying: "Brentford is a nice story. Ivan Toney, I have to say.

"They all work as a unit. He has the trust and faith and he shows what you can get out of a player. He was on the market, not sure who wanted him. Brentford did," he explained.

"It's not about the problems you have, it's solutions."