Can the Reds cope without the calming presence of Joel Matip at the back?
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp (Photo: AFP)
Liverpool’s preparations for their massive UEFA Champions League quarter-final were dealt a serious blow as the club confirmed on Tuesday that Reds defender Joel Matip is set to undergo a thigh surgery and is expected to miss the rest of the season as well.
“Joel Matip is likely to require an operation on a thigh injury, Liverpool can confirm,” a club statement read.
The Cameroonian international, 26, is seen as a calming influence at the back and had only just begun to form a steely partnership at the back with January signing Virgil van Dijk.
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After arriving from Bundesliga side Schalke in 2016, the German-born Matip quickly established himself as the club’s premier defender and while that isn’t saying much, considering Liverpool’s defensive issues at the back, his absence leaves a sizeable hole in their defence.
“The operation is likely to end the 26-year-old’s involvement in the remainder of the 2017-18 season,” the Merseysiders added.
Notably, it was revealed that the centre-back suffered the injury during Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday but for an unspecified reason, continued to play the entire 90 minutes at Selhurst Park.
The clash against the relegation-threatened Eagles also saw Reds midfielder Adam Lallana suffer a thigh injury and the club are expected to make an announcement with an update on his issue later on Tuesday.
Apart from Matip and Lallana, the only other confirmed absentees are midfielder Emre Can (back) and long-term injury casualty Joe Gomez (ankle).
Dejan Lovren is set to start in Matip’s stead when Pep Guardiola’s City roll into town on Wednesday for the first leg of their last-eight clash.
The return leg at the Etihad Stadium takes place on April 10.
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