Joel Matip is set to return against Chelsea this weekend in what can prove to be a huge boost for Liverpool. The first choice centre-back sustained an injury in Liverpool’s 3-0 triumph over Southampton on Saturday. The 26-year-old acquired a problem with his thigh, which saw him being ruled out of tonight’s Champions League clash at Sevilla.
The Cameroonian international has not travelled with the rest of the Liverpool team and is currently working hard to regain his fitness. And Liverpool boss, Jurgen Klopp is convinced that he will be fit to face Chelsea this Saturday.
Ahead of the Champions League match against Sevilla, Jurgen Klopp addressed his squad in the pre-match press conference.
The German manager said: “The squad looks good. They are pretty much all here from the normal squad, apart from Joel. He is in Liverpool and full training, so all good. He is good. I think there will be a big chance he will be ready for Saturday, but there was no chance for this game – it was a little bit too quick, but it’s all good.”
The news is surely going to provide Liverpool with a massive boost as they prepare for a season-defining match against Chelsea.
With Dejan Lovren and Ragnar Klavan both struggling to deal with the pressures of playing for a club like Liverpool, Joel Matip has been the only consistent performer in the Reds’ backline. However, the Cameroonian defender has failed to keep up the same level of performance away from Anfield.
Liverpool have been well-organised defensively at home, conceding just one goal in six Premier League home matches. The Reds have also kept five clean sheets at home, with only Burnley finding the back of the net at Anfield.
While away from Merseyside, it’s been a totally different story. The Reds have conceded 16 goals in six away matches in the Premier League. The poor defensive displays have been subject to a lot of criticism and the club has now been urged to recruit a top quality defender in the January transfer window to partner Joel Matip at the heart of Liverpool’s defence.
Joel Matip has made 17 appearances for Liverpool this season and has scored a goal, which came in the match away at West Ham United. It remains to be seen whether the Reds can keep up their good run at Anfield with Matip back in their line up.
The Merseyside club are currently fifth in the Premier League table, just three points behind the third-placed Chelsea.
