Former Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita fined and banned from Werder Bremen first team until end of season

Naby Keita has been fined a “substantial fine” and banned from Werder Bremen’s first team until the end of the season.

The former Liverpool midfielder took to social media to dismiss claims he returned home after being omitted from his team’s starting line-up for the game against now Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen.

This was affirmed by club director Clemens Fritz, who said Werder Bremen would speak with the Guinea international and his advisor.

Today, following the club’s 5-0 defeat to Leverkusen, Werder Bremen confirmed that Keita has been sanctioned.

“Werder Bremen have suspended Naby Keïta until the end of the season. The club has also imposed a substantial fine on the midfielder.

“The 29-year-old will no longer train with the team and will no longer be part of the first-team dressing room.”

Fritz said: “As a club we will not tolerate Naby’s behavior. He has let his team down in a difficult time linked to our recent form and squad availability and has put his own interests ahead of those of the team. We cannot allow this.

“At this stage of the season we must fully concentrate on the remaining matches and on being a united team. That is why we have no alternative.”

The statement then doubled down on Fritz’s initial accusation.

“After learning that he would not start against Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Naby Keita chose not to take the field with the team and decided to return home,” the statement concluded.

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Werder are yet to reach safety in the Bundesliga this season, currently sitting 12th and four points clear of the relegation play-off spot.

Keita has played just 106 minutes since signing on a free transfer last summer, suffering injuries again.

The 29-year-old has had a number of fitness issues during his five years at Liverpool.

Keita has only been selected in the starting XI in just one of his five appearances all season.

His contract expires in June 2026.