Robbie Keane has been omitted from Liverpool’s squad to face Chelsea on Sunday, according to claims this evening.

The Republic of Ireland international was left out of the squad against Everton in the FA Cup last Sunday and is believed not to be in the squad for Sunday’s crucial clash at Anfield.

Liverpool and manager Rafa Benitez have denied reports Keane could be set to return to Tottenham but if this proves true and Keane isn’t in the squad on Sunday, surely his future lies away from Anfield, with the transfer window closing on Monday.

Keane played the last eight minutes against Wigan in midweek and trained as normal there doesn’t seem to be an injury to rule him out. Last week youngster David N’Gog took his place in the squad after scoring twice in the reserves.

It’s a bizarre situation, and if true will no doubt see Benitez receive further criticism after a week which has seen many fans question their own loyalty to the Spaniard.

Update: Sunday newspapers are now picking up on this and some are running with the quotes from Rafa Benitez which show it wasn’t him but Rick Parry who sanctioned the 20m transfer. The Times writes:

It was put to Benitez his lack of faith in the striker is strange given he spent £20m on Keane. ‘œThe club. The club spend £20m,’ Benitez shot back, reviving the complaint that led him to abandon contract talks: that he does not have control over transfers.

While the Sunday Mail claim a return to Spurs is on:

Robbie Keane is on the verge of a £15million return to Tottenham after being ditched by Rafael Benitez for Liverpool’s most important game of the season against Chelsea today.