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Liverpool injury BLOW: Naby Keita forced off early in Barcelona semi-final showdown
LIVERPOOL star Naby Keita was forced off injured after just 20 minutes in the Champions League semi-final first leg against Barcelona.
Liverpool arrive at Camp Nou ahead of Barcelona match
The Reds midfielder was tackled by Ivan Rakitic but was left on the floor.
And Keita appeared to hold his groin before being removed from proceedings at the Nou Camp.
Jordan Henderson was the man picked by Jurgen Klopp to replace the Guinea international.
The injury didn’t impact on the shape of Liverpool who set up with a diamond against Lionel Messi and co.
It was just moments after Keita left the pitch that Barcelona took the lead.
Jordi Alba played a perfectly crafted ball into the box which was converted by former Liverpool forward Luis Suarez.
The Catalan club looked like they could add a second soon after but Liverpool managed to hold firm.
Reds fans felt the loss of Keita had a big impact on the game at the Nou Camp.
One tweeted: "Keita was so important in the midfield #BarcaLiverpool."
Another said: "Keita loss has been a massive loss for Liverpool, the game seems to have tipped into Barcelona’s favour.#FCBLIV."
"Since Keita came off we’ve been struggling," a third explained.
Pundit Robbie Savage that the introduction of Henderson for Keita seemed to allow Jordi Alba more space for Barcelona.
Barcelona vs Liverpool: Champions League clash previewed
He said: "Jordi Alba has not been a threat but, since Liverpool were forced to switch Henderson on, he suddenly had time and space.
"Suarez has got in between Van Dijk and Matip quite brilliantly, dips his toe in and scored for Barcelona.
"Suarez anticipated that ball and Van Dijk didn't - you have to question him there."