Jurgen Klopp gave an update on Joel Matip as he delivered his team news for Liverpool vs West Ham United. The Reds host the Hammers tomorrow.
Joel Matip is out of Liverpool vs West Ham, according to Jurgen Klopp. The Cameroonian is ill, apparently, with the Reds’ boss confirming that it isn’t Covid-19. It is enough to keep him out of the fixture at Anfield, however.
It’s a shame for Matip, who’s enjoying his most present season in years. We’d also say it’s his best since 2019, with the defender now up for Premier League Player of the Month. No wonder Klopp labelled him ‘outstanding’ recently.
Joel Matip out – Liverpool vs West Ham team news
Matip isn’t the only absence, however. Klopp says Thiago won’t play either as he hasn’t trained – the Spaniard picked up a problem in the warm-up before the EFL Cup final.
Two other players are doubts. Curtis Jones, who went off at half-time against Norwich City, might be okay but Klopp isn’t 100% sure. Similarly, Naby Keita is an unclear option.
Roberto Firmino is out until Sunday, too, and won’t feature against West Ham.
Klopp has a lot to think about, then, especially with Matip being out. We imagine Ibrahima Konate will step into the XI and take his place, though there’s half a chance that Joe Gomez gets the nod for once.
Midfield is a bit of an issue, too. No Thiago, no Jones, no Keita – potentially – leaves Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Harvey Elliott, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as options.
Fabinho and Henderson feel like near-certainties and, perhaps, Elliott is the best option to play alongside them. Our pick would be either him or Oxlade-Chamberlain for this one, though.
All in all, the team news isn’t too bad for Liverpool. Even with some notable absences, Klopp still has enough to play with in order to beat West Ham at Anfield.
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