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Liverpool suffer injury setback with Joel Matip set to miss next 10 games
Joel Matip has been struggling with a knee problem since the win over Sheffield United.
Liverpool: Klopp says Matip not available against Salzburg
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been dealt a big injury blow with Joel Matip set to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Matip has arguably been Liverpool's most unsung hero across the backline.
Virgil van Dijk deservedly gets most of the plaudits and the attacking prowess of both Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold catch the eye of everyone watching.
But Matip has silently established himself as a world class defender to complete Liverpool's back line, forming an intimidating centre-back pairing alongside Van Dijk.
His consistent performances over the last 10 months were key to Liverpool's Champions League triumph and the club's Premier League title challenge.
However, Klopp will have to make do without the central defender for up to six weeks as he continues to recover from a knee problem.
Matip picked up the knock in the win over Sheffield United last month and has only played one of five matches since then with the recovery taking longer than expected.
It means Matip will certainly miss the upcoming crunch match against Manchester City, along with the three remaining Champions League group stage matches.
Klopp has seemingly preferred Dejan Lovren to Joe Gomez in recent weeks to fill the gap left by Matip.
The English centre-half hasn't started in the league since the opening day win over Norwich back in August.
Matip recently signed a new long-term contract until 2024 following his excellent start to the campaign.
And Klopp had nothing but praise for the Cameroonian defender and how he has developed over the years at Anfield.
“Joel’s journey at Liverpool is one I love and I am absolutely delighted he has shown his commitment to us by signing this new long-term contract,” Klopp said.
“As the team has evolved and become better, so too has Joel.
“I said earlier this year that signing a player of his quality is one of the best, incredible pieces of business we’ve done since I started here – and I think now that’s something everyone can see."