Joe Gomez and Joel Matip have been missed by Liverpool due to their respective fractures but Jurgen Klopp provided a positive update on the pair ahead of our FA Cup against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Englishman fractured his lower leg in our win over Burnley while Matip picked up a collarbone fracture in our 1-0 win over Napoli.
Klopp claimed both players are close to fitness but they need a bit of time still (h/t Liverpoolfc.com):
“[Joe is] getting better, it’s getting better, but he is not yet involved.
“Joel is maybe a bit closer, I’m not sure, but hopefully he moves completely normal. We have to see how the bone healing is, that’s always how it is when something [has] broke, but from his movements it looks nearly normal.”
The German added that both players need a few more days before they can train with the team. There was some good news regarding Matip as the manager claimed the Cameroonian is already working on his fitness and the only thing that would be missing is getting back into rhythm.
Liverpool have done fairly well without these defenders. Dejan Lovren has stepped up during their absence and the only blip has been the 2-1 loss at the hands of Manchester City.
Gomez has been the star defender alongside Virgil van Dijk this season, and his return will be a major boost for the rest of the season.
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The Reds have been watertight at the back this season, and hopefully, we won’t face any further long-term injuries for the rest of the campaign.
