Liverpool fans received news from Jurgen Klopp this week that Joel Matip is still struggling with injury and the club are awaiting a reassessment of the Cameroonian’s knee problem.
Matip, who signed for Liverpool from Schalke in 2016 on a free transfer, has been out since the 1-1 draw with Manchester United with a knee injury. The 28-year-old started the season in excellent fashion for the Reds; averaging a 7.34 rating, and will be a welcome return for Klopp when he eventually resumes training.
In a press conference, Klopp confirmed that the Cameroonian defender is still unable to play or train at the moment, meaning that either Dejan Lovren or Joe Gomez will continue to deputise alongside Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the Reds defence.
Should Joel Matip regain his place in the team when he returns from injury?
Yes
No
Reaction from Reds fans to the latest Matip update can be seen in the tweets below.
Missing him
— ? (@CalvesLikeShaq) November 26, 2019
They are really playing it down… Seems like the injury is quite serious
— Y. (@vega_punk74) November 26, 2019
Gonna be massive in the Christmas run of fixtures!
— James (@jamesdewsbury7) November 26, 2019
Dam – he is crucial
— Clip Jonson (@ClipJonson) November 26, 2019
Give him a rest he needed to fit 100%..leave the PL game to lovren and gomez..but we really need matip in line up and first eleven in Club World Cup Championship..hope he can play and win for us..
— itsafroboi with luv (@kushinahinata94) November 26, 2019
really hope he’ll be back before Christmas in his best form
— vina (@vinaakbrn) November 26, 2019
Why is it taking so long ???? It took forever with Allison too
— Billywhizz666 (@billywhizz666) November 26, 2019
Klopp always plays injuries down. Said the Alisson thing wasn’t too bad at first.
— | CURTIS | (@KopiteCurtis) November 26, 2019
These Reds fans are clearly hopeful that Matip will be back to full fitness sooner rather than later as Jurgen Klopp’s side look to continue their unbeaten run in the Premier League.
What do we think?
Matip was one of Liverpool’s best players early in the season but Lovren has filled in very competently in recent weeks; averaging a 7.26 rating in the Premier League.
However, Liverpool have kept just two clean sheets in the Premier League so far this season and have struggled defensively at times, so whenever Matip returns it will be a welcome boost.