But now the tide could be turning back in Liverpool’s favour as they prepare to welcome Matip back from injury. (would just avoid using long-term if it's only been a month, would say it'd probably need to be two or more!)
The defender suffered a fractured collarbone in the Champions League tie with Napoli on December 11.
And Klopp says that he could be back to action sooner rather than later.
Gomez, who suffered a fractured leg against Burnley on December 5, is still some way off from returning however.
Joe Gomez fractured his leg in December (Image: GETTY)
“[Joe is] getting better, it’s getting better, but he is not yet involved,” Klopp said.
“Joel is maybe a bit closer.
“I’m not sure, but hopefully he moves completely normal.
“We have to see how the bone healing is, that’s always how it is when something [has] broke, but from his movements it looks nearly normal.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Joel Matip fractured his collarbone in December (Image: GETTY)
“But there are still a few days to go until we can have them in team training, until [Joel] is ready for contact, which for a centre-half is pretty important.
“Until then we will make all the fitness work.
“The good thing is Joel can do all the fitness work already since a week or so ago, so that means when he will be back he will be 100 per cent fit.
“Then he has to get rhythm and everything will be fine.”