Despite being taken off at half time during Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage against Fulham, Joel Matip remains in contention to feature against Tottenham Hotspurs in the mid-week Premier League fixture at Anfield.
The Cameroonian central defender, Klopp’s sole fit option in the centre-back spot, was substituted owing to a spasm affecting his back, with Takumi Minamino taking Matip’s place on the pitch as Jordan Henderson slotted back into the heart of the backline.
In his post-match interview, as quoted by Liverpool FC’s official website, Liverpoolfc.com, Klopp expressed hopes of Matip returning to the XI for Wednesday’s crunch league game against Jose Mourinho’s men.
“Joel Matip has a spasm in his back. We will see. In the moment, nothing else,” said Klopp at his press conference.
“He got already treatment, will get treatment and we will see. I think there’s a chance for Wednesday. [It’s not that bad] in the moment, no.”
Positive news on the injury front for the Premier League holders was much-needed as Diogo Jota’s two-month-long injury layoff was confirmed prior to the Craven Cottage showdown, as the new Liverpool FC man’s knee issue turned out to be worse than feared before.
Jota looks all set to be sidelined for the next 13 games across all competitions for Jurgen Klopp’s side as the 23-year-old forward works his way to full fitness, joining the ever-increasing list of injured first-team regulars at Anfield.
