As an ever-increasing injury list continues to haunt the title fortunes of Liverpool FC this season, it has come as a surprise to many that the often injury-prone Joel Matip is the sole fully fit option in the centre-spot available at Jurgen Klopp’s disposal.
The Cameroonian international has been in and out of the Reds lineup in recent seasons owing to recurring injury layoffs, but this season Matip has stepped up with a continuous spree of appearances following potential season-ending injuries for both Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk.
In an interview with the Liverpool Echo, the 29-year-old central defender outlined his intentions of bouncing back stronger from his previous injury troubles earlier this season, with Matip emphasizing the role played by the Liverpool FC medical staff in the fitness levels of the players.
“You have to come back and you try to be back stronger, but of course you always need some time to get back on a good level,” said Matip.
“I am feeling good now and I am looking forward to playing a lot of games.
“The fitness and medical departments always try to improve things. We are working on different things.
“Sometimes you don’t have that much influence on it, but we are working hard to keep every player as fit as possible. This includes me and I hope to be playing as much as possible and to stay fit.”
Despite starting just four Premier League games within a span of 13 months, it looks as if the defender is in full spirits to lead the Liverpool FC backline in the absence of a more vocal leader in Van Dijk.
With Klopp’s men facing a stern test against Wolves on Sunday at Anfield, the Joel Matip-led defence will be on full throttle to keep a springy Wolves frontline at bay over the course of the game.
