Guinea will face Algeria in the Round of 16 of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday July 7, with influential Naby Keita playing no part in the encounter.
The Liverpool midfielder is currently in England taking treatments for a groin injury following a relapse he suffered during the game against Nigeria.
He has been advised by his doctors to forget about the AFCON and concentrate on his situation, according to The Guardian.
Back in Guinea and at the Syli National’s camp in Egypt, there is hope that the 24-year-old could return to the tournament to help the team. However, Mohamed Yattara, who has scored two goals so far with Guinea at the tournament, believes it’s time to think post-Naby Keita.
“He is the most important player of the team. Naby changes everything when he enters a match. But he is not currently fit to play. We can’t force it. We have to think of how to fight on his behalf,” Yattara told www.aclsports.com.
“We have a very crucial game against one of the top favourites of the tournament (Algeria). We need to focus on that game and spend less time lamenting Naby’s absence. He will surely be happy if we win.”
Guinea finished 3rd with 4 points in group B and booked their place in the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams.
