Following the news of Joel Matip’s injury, which could see the defender out of action for as long as 6 weeks, many Liverpool fans have taken to Twitter to voice their frustration.
The 28-year-old had been previously expected to recover a lot sooner, after initially being sidelined by a sore knee. However, it has subsequently transpired that the injury is significantly worse than first expected, leaving Matip facing a long term layout that may not see him return until after the international break next month.
The devastating blow was felt by many Liverpool fans, who shared their feelings on social media after the news broke:
BREAKING: Joel Matip is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after suffering a setback in his recovery from a knee injury.
Matip could now actually be facing up to six weeks out of action, writes @LynchStandard https://t.co/et3XzEscom
— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) October 28, 2019
— Marcus Robinson (@M_Robinson09) October 28, 2019
12 months ago this wouldn’t be a problem but he’s been immense lately
— Paul Clayden (@PaulClayden6) October 28, 2019
One fan even stated that Matip reminded them of Daniel Agger who made 232 appearances for the Reds, but suffered from a string of different injuries during his time at Anfield.
Reminds me of Daniel Agger
— WaHeru (@AlphaMsanii) October 28, 2019
So frustrating that he appears to regularly miss games.
— Anthony Page (@AEP220676) October 28, 2019
For some, the thought of Dejan Lovren having an extended spell in the starting XI was not especially welcomed…
Can only mean 1 thing, Lovren vs City ?
— Jetame (@Jetame1) October 28, 2019
Dejan for 6weeks?
— kwabena_ba4 (@kwabena_ba4) October 28, 2019
Lovren…again pic.twitter.com/IDnfDjnNI1
— Kloppoholic™ (@KloppoholicTM) October 28, 2019
What we think
Joel Matip has been superb in defence this season, even outperforming centre-back partner Virgil van Dijk on occasions, with a team-best 7.52 Whoscored rating. Losing the Cameroonian, just prior to Liverpool’s crunch trip to Manchester City, could hardly have come at a worse time for the club. The onus now very much falls to Dejan Lovren and Joe Gomez, and while both have had one or two shaky moments of late, as far as back up centre backs go, you could do a lot worse. The situation is hardly ideal for Liverpool, but if Gomez and/or Lovren can string together a run of form, then Liverpool may be able to negotiate the choppy waters to come over the next few weeks.