KEY POINTS

  • Joel Matip's injury is not serious, but Liverpool may not play him Wednesday
  • Matip complained of discomfort after the Everton match last week
  • Liverpool's upcoming fixture is against Ajax in Amsterdam

Jurgen Klopp’s miseries continue as Liverpool center-back Joel Matip is doubtful for his side’s upcoming Champions League clash against Ajax. Matip’s presence in Liverpool’s defense is vital after the side’s prime defender Virgil van Dijk was earlier ruled out with an ACL injury. The injury on the knee is expected to keep the player sidelined for many months.

Matip, who underwent scans at the end of Liverpool 2-2 draw against Everton last week, has not suffered a serious injury. However, knowing Matip’s injury history, The Reds may choose to leave him out of the Ajax match, as reported by Goal.

Klopp’s side has already been rocked by van Dijk’s injury that could very well keep the Dutchman away from the sport for the remainder of the season, even though Liverpool have not mentioned the span of van Dijk’s injury break.

"The center-back damaged knee ligaments following an incident involving Blues goalkeeper Jordan Pickford after six minutes at Goodison Park. Van Dijk was required to be substituted and further assessment on the injury has revealed an operation will be needed. No specific timescale is being placed upon his return to action at this stage," read Liverpool’s official statement.

Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk looks set to miss the rest of the season due to a serious knee injury
Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk looks set to miss the rest of the season due to a serious knee injury POOL / Catherine Ivill

Van Dijk’s injury means the duo of Matip and Joe Gomez have to step up as Liverpool’s specialist center-backs. Unfortunately, both players have been injury-prone and neither has managed to make even 30 Premier League appearances in a single season. In fact, Matip played only 13 competitive matches in the 2019-20 campaign.

The Merseyside match was Matip’s second competitive appearance of the season after playing Liverpool’s 2020-21 Premier League opening match that was against Leeds United. Following the Leeds game, Matip was ruled out with a hamstring injury before he returned to action during his side’s trip to Goodison Park.

In case of Matip’s absence during Liverpool’s Champions League opener against Ajax in Amsterdam on Wednesday, defensive midfielder Fabinho may have to join at the back of the line for The Reds, while untried trio Rhys Williams, Nat Phillips, and Billy Koumetio will also be on standby.

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