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Liverpool handed injury blow ahead of Everton clash
JOEL MATIP will not feature for Liverpool in tonight's Merseyside derby at Everton, according to reports.
Joel Matip has been ruled out for the Merseyside derby
Matip has been recovering from an ankle injury in recent weeks and missed Liverpool's 3-0 win against Middlesbrough.
The Cameroon international was thought to be in contention for tonight's trip to Goodison Park (8pm).
However, the Liverpool Echo claim the former Schalke defender will not feature in the Merseyside derby.
Joel Matip has been a rock at the back for Liverpool this season
Everton vs Liverpool - Premier League match preview
The 25-year-old will reportedly be replaced by Ragnar Klavan and will play alongside Dejan Lovren at the heart of defence.
Speaking about Matip's injury last week, Jurgen Klopp said: "It’s just a case of time.
“There will be no surgery, there is not even a risk of it. It is only about resting the injury or not.
“Try it every day or give it a few days. That is what we already did.
"Against West Ham it was possible to play but then against Middlesbrough it was not.
“For Bournemouth he was involved in the squad and then we made the decision [not to play him].
Joel Matip is expected to be replaced by Ragnar Klavan
“It’s in the moment.
"It is not perfect because we have no time so you can’t say ‘this game isn’t really important or whatever’."
Matip joined Liverpool on a free transfer and has become a crucial player for the Reds, making 14 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal.
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