Jurgen Klopp last night admitted that there had been another injury blow for Liverpool in the lead-up to the game against Crystal Palace.
Speaking via liverpoolfc.com, Klopp confirmed that Joel Matip would miss the next fortnight with a problem.
“[Joel] will be two weeks. We will see with that,” said the Liverpool manager. Klopp also explained his reasoning behind selecting Nat Phillips as Matip’s stand-in on Monday night.
“In the end, Joey [Gomes] didn’t start. Nat [Phillips] did really well, I have to say, but Joey didn’t start because he only trained yesterday again. At the start of the week, [he had] a little issue.”
Liverpool’s injuries continue to pile up
It’s starting to feel a little like we’ve been here before isn’t it. Liverpool’s start to 22/23 couldn’t really have got off to a worse start on and off the pitch.
The team has floundered to two disappointing draws against Fulham and Palace. More worryingly than the results though is that the injuries have mounted up.
Matip joins a growing list of first-team players who Klopp is no longer able to consider for selection. The team-sheet and the bench yesterday reflected the fact that the boss is now missing far too many of his usual squad.
With all due respect to both Phillips and James Milner, they shouldn’t be starters at this stage for Liverpool. This was just matchday 2 of the Premier League season and The Reds already feel a little like they’re down to the bare bones.
What makes the issue doubly frustrating is that Liverpool are unlikely to attempt to rectify things in the transfer market. At times you need a break glass option. But that isn’t the way Liverpool do things, as we know.
All the injured players will return over the coming weeks. While that may mean there isn’t reason enough to dip into the market, it could mean that Liverpool’s title challenge is on very shaky ground already.
A trip to Manchester United lies in wait next Monday night. Although United have had a far worse start than Klopp’s side, the prospect of heading to Old Trafford with a squad as depleted as Liverpool’s isn’t a happy one.
Jurgen will be crossing everything that there are no further issues to deal with between now and then. One thing’s for sure at this stage though – £140k-a-week Matip definitely won’t be involved.
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