RB Leipzig will in all likelihood be without Naby Keita when they take on Monaco in the Champions League. - © © gettyimages
RB Leipzig will in all likelihood be without Naby Keita when they take on Monaco in the Champions League. - © © gettyimages

Naby Keita set to miss RB Leipzig's UEFA Champions League debut

xwhatsappmailcopy-link

Naby Keita is unlikely to be fit enough for RB Leipzig's UEFA Champions League debut against Monaco on Wednesday, according to head coach Ralph Hasenhüttl.

The 22-year-old midfielder is still struggling with a left groin problem sustained in Friday's 2-0 win over Hamburg.

"Unless there's a miracle, Naby Keita won't feature tomorrow," Hasenhüttl said at Tuesday's pre-match press conference. "Losing Naby hurts, but we have players that can fill the void."

Liverpool-bound Keita registered eight goals and as many assists in 31 Bundesliga appearances in 2016/17, and has started all three of Leipzig's top-flight outings so far this term, opening his account for the campaign against Hamburg.

Watch: Naby Keita's top 5 Bundesliga goals

Leipzig record signing Kevin Kampl - a second-half substitute last time out - is expected to make his full debut in Keita's stead.

Click here for live coverage of RB Leipzig vs. Monaco