Jurgen Klopp has hinted that Joel Matip could miss weeks of action for Liverpool after picking up an injury earlier today against Fulham.
The 32-year-old defender came off in the second half after picking up an issue, with the Anfield boss now confirming via the Liverpool Echo that Matip could be sidelined for some time.
With Ibrahima Konate having his own injury issues for Liverpool in recent weeks, Matip being out will be a major issue for the Reds heading into the festive period.
Indeed, Liverpool’s huge fixture list is well known at this point, and losing out on a player like Matip could force Klopp to spend limited funds in the January transfer window.
And the German manager has now confirmed that the injury could be a bad one, something no Liverpool fan wants to hear even if Matip might be a second-choice centre-back.
Klopp said: “We lost today Joel and we have obviously no scan yet, but after all you hear and can see that will not be a short one. It’s his knee. Unlucky, but we have to get through this.”
Joel Matip’s potential long-term injury is a massive problem for Liverpool
Matip might not be every Liverpool fan’s cup of tea, but there’s no denying that the former Schalke 04 defender has proved his worth over the years for the Reds.
And the centre-back being out for the long haul could be disastrous for Liverpool, with potential transfer plans likely being moved forward if Matip is out for some time.
Whilst a defender should be on Liverpool’s transfer list already for January, Matip’s injury could throw the Reds into overdrive as we head into the winter window.
And for fans, they will hope Matip is fit enough to return later this month, especially with the amount of games the Reds have to play.
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