Klopp to try to get Joel Matip back for Manchester United shock

Jurgen Klopp will try to get Joel Matip back in time for Liverpool’s clash against Manchester United, according to reports. The Cameroonian defender is currently absent with a groin injury.

This is from The ECHO. They confirm that Klopp is hopeful Matip will be back for the Northwestern derby on January 17th.

Matip, 30, described as ‘world class’ by Jurgen Klopp (official website), has missed Liverpool’s previous two league games, including Monday night’s 1-0 defeat at Southampton.

The absence of the former Schalke star has been hit hard, with the Reds succumbing to their second league loss of the season.

In the two matches Matip missed, Liverpool failed to score in both and claimed only one of the six points available.

As a result, Manchester United have since narrowed the gap at the top of the Premier League. The Red Devils are tied on points with Liverpool, having played one game less.

It sets up perfectly for a gargantuan meeting at Anfield one week on Sunday, then.

And Klopp assured his supporters that he would do everything in his power to get Matip back to top form on time.

“We will try [to get him fit for Man Utd]. He’s fine, but it’ll be United or a few days later, I don’t know. We will see.”

What RTK has to say

Matip’s potential involvement is arguably Liverpool’s biggest selection uncertainty as the game draws closer.

Klopp teamed up with Fabinho and Jordan Henderson following Matip’s injury. In truth, Liverpool have suffered without both players in their naturally adapted roles.

This makes the inclusion of Matip all the more important. Henderson and Fabinho have proven they can adapt and do a job on defense. Unfortunately, their absence in midfield is too noticeable for a long-term partnership at the back to develop.

For now, Matip’s involvement allows Klopp to push Henderson further. This should also benefit Thiago Alcantara.

Liverpool are much stronger in defense and attack with Matip in the squad. However, the main problem is how long. Matip has started just seven league games in 2020/21, after all.

Still, with United approaching, Matip’s return could not have been better timed. The Reds defender has yet to lose in the Premier League this season.

Hopefully his rich reign on form continues on January 17th, so that could have a huge impact on the title.

Josh is a sports reporter from the south who has previously reported on the Reds at home and outside of the press. His idol is Joel Matip while Madrid 19 to date is still unclear for him.