Doctors clear Keita of spinal damage, deny reports of heart issue

Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita was released from hospital Thursday after suffering "strong back trauma" in a Champions League clash with Napoli, according to an Italian doctor.

Scans cleared Keita of more serious spinal damage following a collision with Lorenzo Insigne.

Dr. Ciro Mauro of the Cardarelli hospital, near Naples, also denied reports that Keita was tested for a possible heart issue. The 23-year-old has a history of cardiovascular problems, having collapsed to the pitch in a 2017 fixture with former club RB Leipzig.

"He didn't have a cardiologic problem, it was a strong back trauma," Mauro told Italian outlet Radio Marte, per The Telegraph's Chris Bascombe. "He had an MRI and CAT scan to rule out any problems to his spine. It is not related to a cardiovascular problem. The player was serene when he left and the Naples doctors have given him a good bill of health."

Keita reportedly returned to Liverpool by private jet, but his status for Sunday's marquee match against Manchester City remains unclear.

The 23-year-old was stretchered off the pitch in the first half of Wednesday's loss to Napoli and replaced by Jordan Henderson. It was Keita's sixth start for the Reds since completing his £52-million move to Anfield in the summer.