Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Liverpool defender Joel Matip has no chance to play against Leeds tomorrow.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference via Liverpool FC on YouTube, the Reds boss gave an injury update.
“With Hendo [Jordan Henderson] we have to wait a little bit, it’s a knock, he was a bit stiff yesterday, we’ll see how it is today. But I expect him to be okay. Thiago is back,” said Klopp.
“Naby [Keita] not yet, Joel [Matip] will not be back, he’s here training, but rehab. You don’t have to ask about Diogo or Luis for a while.”
Good news on Thiago and Henderson, while Matip’s situation is going on a little longer than expected. Fortunately, with Ibrahima Konate back fit, Liverpool aren’t short at centre-back.
Matip taking his time to recover
Matip has been out for longer than initially projected from Liverpool. The 31-year-old hasn’t played since being substituted against Arsenal two weeks ago.
With Klopp suggesting that the centre-back is only just beginning his rehab, it could be a little while before we see him again.
As a result, it’s probably best at this point to rule Matip out until after the World Cup. Liverpool’s last game before the break is against Southampton in two weeks time.
Given the Cameroonian’s injury history, it’s perhaps best to give him this time to recover.
Thiago returns from ear infection
From the other players Klopp mentioned, it’s fantastic to hear that Thiago is once again available for selection.
Liverpool are a much better side with him in the team, and they badly missed him last weekend against Nottingham Forest.
As his absence was to do with illness rather than injury, you’d expect him to come straight into the line-up tomorrow. With some doubts still lingering over Jordan Henderson’s inclusion, that decision is likely to be a straightforward one for Klopp.
Good to hear that there’s no fresh injury news, too. Liverpool’s forward options are hanging by a thread a little, it’s pleasing that all of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Roberto Firmino are fine.
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