Matip out for rest of season with thigh injury

Liverpool defender Joel Matip looks set to miss the rest of the season, as announced by the club's official website.

The centre-back picked up a thigh injury on Saturday, as his side beat Crystal Palace 1-2. Although he completed the full 90 minutes, Matip's thigh problem was more serious than initally expected, and he is now unlikely to feature again for the 'Reds' this season.

The 26-year-old will undergo surgery on his leg, and with less than two months of the season left to play, his recovery will most probably see him wait until next season to play for Liverpool again.

The news comes as a big blow for Jurgen Klopp, whose side are on the verge of a huge week of games. Liverpool have a massive two-legged tie against Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-finals, as well as a Merseyside derby against Everton in the space of seven days.

Klopp will now have to rely on Dejan Lovren to partner Virgil Van Dijk, with both Matip and Joe Gomez out injured. Adam Lallana also came off injured against Palace, although right-back Nathaniel Clyne is close to a return to the side, after an extended period on the sidelines. 

 

3 April 2018