Guinea international Keita left Anfield on a free transfer in the summer after five years with the Reds following a much-heralded £52.75million move from RB Leipzig. The 29-year-old appeared 129 times over five seasons with the Reds, but after moving to Werder in the summer his injury curse struck again. Upon discovering that he wasn’t in the side to face Xabi Alonso’s title winners, Keita decided not to board the team bus and instead headed home. Werder have now taken action against him and barred him from the club for the rest of the season.

The club said in a statement: “Werder Bremen officials have suspended Naby Keita until the end of the season. From now on, the 29-year-old will neither train with the team nor spend time in the professional dressing room. Naby’s behavior cannot be tolerated for us as a club. With this action, he let his team down in a tense sporting and personnel situation and placed himself above the team.

We can’t allow that. At this stage of the season we need full focus on the remaining games and a team that is very close together. Keita, in response, stated his position: “I wish to clarify my situation at my club Werder Bremen. Ever since I arrived at this magnificent club, I have always shown my professionalism…I have always tried to help the club and the great supporters, especially during this time of poor results.

Since the start of my career, I have never had problems with my discipline and have always shown an exemplary attitude. I will not accept any person trying to tarnish my image. To the supporters, I would like you to know that in every training session, I fight so that I can make you happy every weekend.” Keita also expressed his wishes to his teammates and addressed his commitment to training and giving his all for the team.