Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp offers latest Joel Matip injury update ahead of Everton clash
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has provided fans with the latest on Joel Matip’s knee injury, as the Reds prepare for Wednesday’s Merseyside derby against rivals Everton.
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Liverpool are awaiting further tests on Joel Matip’s knee to understand the full extent of his injury. The centre-back has been out of action since the Reds’ trip to Manchester United, more than a month ago, and he’s unlikely to feature against Everton on Wednesday in the Merseyside derby.
Liverpoolhave been forced to rely on back-up centre-back Dejan Lovren in Matip’s absence, although Jurgen Klopp's side have still won every game since he sustained his injury.
The defender faces further time on the sidelines, with the Liverpool boss admitting that there’s still no update on when he could return.
Matip has been in excellent form this season, and Klopp will be desperate for the Cameroon international to return before the hectic Christmas period.
Liverpool could play up to 14 games in less than two months in December and January, and squad rotation will be key to continue fighting on four fronts.
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The centre-back had missed a couple of games leading up to the game at Old Trafford with the same problem.
He was deemed fit to play after two weeks out, but the problem flared up against United once again.
Klopp hoped the injury would simply be a recurrence of the same issue, but it appears to have been worse than first feared.
At the time, Klopp said: “It is just a little thing which usually settles in the two weeks.
Liverpool news: Joel Matip last played against Man United in October (Image: GETTY Images)
The Reds are currently eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table, heading into December.
They’ve only dropped two points all season in the league, although they’re yet to guarantee qualification in the Champions League.
Next up for Liverpool is the Merseyside derby at Anfield against Everton on Wednesday (8.15pm).
Klopp then travels to Bournemouth on Saturday (3pm), before playing their final Champions League group game the following Tuesday (5.55pm), in an all-or-nothing qualification match against RB Salzburg.