In a post-match interview with Liverpool‘s official website, Jurgen Klopp revealed that Joel Matip is set to be sidelined for around three weeks after he picked up an adductor strain during the 1-1 draw against West Brom earlier this month. Klopp said, “The normal stuff with these kind of injuries, [he will be out for] around about three weeks.”
This latest update will be a bitter pill to swallow for anyone associated with the Merseyside club as their injury crisis in defence continues to get worse. The Reds have already lost Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez to long-term injuries, so Matip’s unavailability has left Klopp with just one fit senior player in Fabinho who can play as a makeshift centre-back.
Matip’s Decent Form At Merseyside This Season
Matip has enjoyed a solid campaign at Anfield this season after producing a series of dominant displays at the heart of the Liverpool backline. He has featured in ten matches for the reigning Premier League champions this term, registering one goal and two assists in all competitions.
The 29-year-old has given a good account of himself by averaging 1.5 tackles, 0.4 interceptions, 2.6 clearances and 0.6 shots per game in the English first division and the UEFA Champions League group stages this season. He has even distributed possession relatively well out from defence as he has made 87.1% of his attempted passes in both those competitions (stats via whoscored).
What Does The Cameroonian Defender Offer On The Field?
Standing at 1.95m, Matip has got a strong frame to overpower the opposition and win a lot of headers for his team. He is a dominant presence inside his half and can make some important tackles by sensing the danger quickly at the back.
The 27-time Cameroonian international is also an excellent passer of the ball and can contribute by scoring a goal every now and then as he is such a threat in the air. However, he doesn’t have the pace that Van Dijk and Gomez possesses, which can sometimes make him a liability on the pitch.
Matip Set To Be Out Of Action For Around Three Weeks: Massive Blow For Klopp?
Now that Matip has been ruled out for around three weeks, it will serve as a big blow for the Merseyside outfit as they currently lack quality and depth in their defensive department. Klopp will now have the choice to go into the winter transfer market in search of a new centre-half.
Otherwise, Liverpool would have to rely on the services of Rhys Williams and Nathaniel Phillips for the remainder of this campaign which could be a bold move considering how inexperienced the young centre-back pair are at the highest level. If the Reds are serious about challenging for the Premier League title and the UEFA Champions League trophy this season, then they should consider bringing in one or two quality defensive reinforcements in January.
