Joel Matip unsure when he will be back in action for Liverpool

Joel Matip started this season as the No.1 partner for Virgil van Dijk at the back.

The former Schalke star impressed when he replaced Joe Gomez in the previous season. Matip helped us land the Champions League title and former a great partnership with Van Dijk too.

However, the Cameroon star has had a difficult season with an injury hampering him. Matip hasn’t featured since the 1-1 draw against Manchester United.

Joel Matip has been excellent alongside Virgil van Dijk over the past 18 months (Image credit: Getty)

Dejan Lovren is now the first-choice partner alongside Van Dijk and Matip isn’t sure when he will be back.

The 28-year-old was speaking to Sky Sports and didn’t discuss a time frame for his return (h/t Mirror):

“I don’t want to put a time on it.
“I’m just taking my time and we’ll see.
“Of course it’s hard to get injured but unfortunately that’s the life of a player. I am working hard at the moment to get back.
“I’m always trying to do my best, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. Hopefully I’m back as soon as possible.”

Liverpool have some defensive issues

Gomez hasn’t looked as sharp as he did before his fracture last season. The youngster possibly needs more time on the pitch and it will be interesting to see if he features more in Matip’s absence.

Andy Robertson also didn’t play during the international break, and Liverpool could see James Milner fill in as the left-back against Crystal Palace.

The Reds need all their stars to be fit for a crazy schedule coming up. The Club World Cup also adds some additional travelling and a couple of games that we must play.

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Hopefully, Matip is back soon and can ease some of our injury concerns at the back.