Jurgen Klopp has issued a worrying injury update on Joel Matip following Liverpool’s dramatic 4-3 win over Fulham on Sunday.

Amid the ecstasy of scoring two quickfire late goals to turn impending defeat into eventual victory, the Reds’ euphoria was tempered by the body blow incurred by the 32-year-old during the second half today.

The Cameroon defender fell to the turf innocuously and had to hobble off, with Ibrahima Konate coming on to replace him.

Speaking to reporters after the match (via Liverpool World), Klopp conceded that Matip could now be absent for a substantial period of time.

The Reds manager outlined: “We lost Joel. We obviously have no scan yet but after what you hear and can see, that will not be a short one. Unlucky but we have to get through this.”

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Liverpool’s relentless fixture schedule claims another casualty, with Matip joining Alisson Becker, Diogo Jota and longer-term absentees Andy Robertson, Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic on the injury list.

It’s certainly not what Klopp would’ve wanted with seven more matches still to come in the next 24 days, two of which take place this coming week.

The Cameroon defender will be an unwelcome miss, but luckily the Reds have more than capable alternatives in Konate, Joe Gomez and the increasingly precocious Jarell Quansah.

All three will likely be needed at various intervals over the coming month in particular as Liverpool pray that nobody else will join Matip, Alisson et al on the treatment table.

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Neil Mellor has singled out one Liverpool player in particular for praise after a vital contribution he made during added time of the Reds’ clash with Manchester City on Saturday.

The Sky Blues took the lead through Erling Haaland’s strike in the first half only for Trent Alexander-Arnold to drag the Anfield outfit level 10 minutes from time with a superb effort.

Pep Guardiola’s side pushed hard for a winner and could’ve snatched all three points late on had Joel Matip not made a ‘brilliant’ block to deny Haaland from tapping home Bernardo Silva’s shanked effort – something Mellor highlighted on his X account.

Joël Matip
This 95th minute block stopped a possible winner for City.
Brilliant from Matip to deny B.Silva’s shot being poked home by Haaland! #Matip #block #MCILIV #LiverpoolFC #ReviewShow pic.twitter.com/9jWtAN35RJ

— Neil Mellor (@NeilMellor33) November 27, 2023

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Matip is a very underrated player. Our No. 32 has been a Liverpool player since signing from Schalke as a free agent in 2016 and has won every major trophy possible during that time.

He’s a solid option at centre half alongside Virgil van Dijk but is out of contract at the end of the season and it remains to be seen whether he’ll be offered a fresh deal.

The former Cameroon international made his 200th appearance for Klopp’s side on Saturday and had a solid game.

Ibou Konate has often been selected ahead of Matip in recent seasons, understandably so, but we’re delighted to see big Joel performing well.

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Ian Doyle singled out Joel Matip for praise during the first half of Liverpool’s Premier League clash against Manchester City, likening the defender’s forays to a South American legend.

The Reds went in at half-time trailing 1-0 but asked a few questions of the home side in the first 45 minutes.

The Cameroonian centre-half helped to create one of his team’s best chances when he surged forward to the edge of the City penalty area and played the ball to Mo Salah. He crossed to Darwin Nunez, whose header was expertly saved by Ederson.

In his half-time player ratings for the Liverpool Echo, Doyle awarded Matip 7, writing that the 32-year-old “embraced his inner Messi with some forays out from the back” and was  “decisive defensively”.

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Matip’s enterprise in surging forward with the ball has become a thing of legend throughout his time at Liverpool, and that wasn’t the only standout feature of his first-half performance today.

As per Sofascore, the defender won 100% of his duels, made three clearances and one tackle, blocked one shot and completed 22 of his 27 passes (81% success).

It’s not everyday that a centre-back earns comparisons to Lionel Messi, but such is the marauding nature of the Reds’ number 32 that his dribbling ability isn’t wholly unlike the Argentine World Cup winner.

If Matip can further emulate the 36-year-old by finding the net, Liverpool might yet get something from today’s game (at the time of writing).

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Jarell Quansah has been the breakthrough academy star of this season and that has helped earn him a place in the England Under-21 squad.

Not only is he being selected but the 20-year-old is also currently thriving, with one moment from the game showcasing his attacking prowess.

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Channeling his inner Joel Matip, the Warrington-born defender received the ball from Harvey Elliott and carried it from the half-way line.

Beating three players and then unleashing a shot on goal, all that was missing was the finish from our No.78.

You can watch the video of Quansah’s run from defence courtesy of England (via @BradleyLFC23 on X):

Jarrel Quansah or Lionel Messi? #LFC pic.twitter.com/F45Xxw28PR

— BradleyLFC23 (@BradleyLFC23) November 21, 2023

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Liverpool watched a host of first-team players leave the club for free last summer and it seems that we may be set to see several more follow suit at the end of this season too.

As reported by The Express: ‘Liverpool have four players who are free to sign pre-contract agreements with other European clubs in January.

‘As players enter the final six months of their existing deals, they are able to speak to potential suitors about a free transfer in the summer’.

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All the players in question have reason to think that they could fight for a place in our side next season, or for another top European club.

First up is Joel Matip, a player many expected could be edging towards the end of his Anfield career but after 12 appearances already this season and a place in the last Whoscored? team of the week – there’s a case to make that it’s worth offering him another year on Merseyside.

Next we have Thiago Alcantara, no doubt one of the most talented players within Jurgen Klopp’s squad but with his last appearance now nine months in the past – perhaps it is time that we accept a future without the Spaniard is most likely.

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Penultimately is Adrian, although he’s not been given a place in our Europa League squad and is firmly our third-choice option in goal – we may struggle to find another option who is as eager to play for the Reds and as experienced.

Finally there’s perhaps the toughest decision in Conor Bradley, with Calvin Ramsay being sent to Preston on loan it did look like we would be playing the 20-year-old in cup competitions this season but injuries have hampered his chances of making an impression.

Certainly a few headaches ahead for the Reds but not long to go until those from around the continent can start shooting their shot.

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Joel Matip was less than impressed with his yellow card in the first half of Liverpool’s clash against Brentford on Sunday afternoon, and he didn’t exactly hide his indignation.

The Reds defender was booked by Paul Tierney in the 37th minute, and it looked a very harsh decision, as it appeared that Christian Norgaard actually jumped into the Cameroon international.

Sadly, that’s not how the referee saw it, and out came the yellow card, much to the 32-year-old’s visible and justifiable bewilderment.

You can view Matip’s reaction to being booked below, via @LfcRvideos on Twitter/X:

pic.twitter.com/j9hmuTW01h

— LFCRvideos (@LfcRvideos) November 12, 2023

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Joel Matip showcased years of defensive experience with his latest contribution on the pitch for Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp was left applauding the Cameroonian after fooling his opponent into running the ball out of play with a sliding challenge that didn’t attempt to steal possession, as was relayed on X by the Echo’s Ian Doyle.

Klopp applauds as Matip slides in for a challenge then leaves the ball and allows it to roll out for a goal kick

— Ian Doyle (@IanDoyleSport) November 9, 2023

It’s moments like these that continue to prove the former Schalke man’s ongoing worth to this side.

He’s certainly been more than impressive following a season that had many questioning his Anfield future.

You can catch the clip below, courtesy of CBS Sports:

Clever Joel pic.twitter.com/hH23Tjuqo3

— Caulkerloaner (@caulkerloaner) November 9, 2023

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Rio Ferdinand has claimed that one Liverpool star who ‘always produces’ is ‘unlucky not to start’ in Jurgen Klopp’s current starting XI.

Joel Matip was a second half substitute during yesterday’s Merseyside derby victory over Everton at Anfield and has largely had to settle for second fiddle behind Ibou Konate in Klopp’s pecking order.

Former Manchester United defender Ferdinand believes our No. 32 should be in with a shout to start games, however, reminding supporters of the ‘great partnership’ he struck up with Virgil van Dijk not so long ago.

“I’ll tell you one thing, he’s unlucky not to start in this team you know, Matip, always produces, always plays well,” Ferdinand told TNT Sports (via The Boot Room).

“Had a great partnership a year or so ago with van Dijk, he just looks so cool and calm.”

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Ferdinand does have somewhat of a point because Matip has been quality since we signed him for Schalke back in 2016 but it’s now clear that Konate, alongside van Dijk, is our German tactician’s preferred central defensive partnership.

The Cameroonian’s current deal on Merseyside expires at the end of the season and with him now the wrong side of 30 it’s unlikely that he’ll be offered a new contract.

He may not feature as much as he’d like during his final season at L4 but let’s hope he can pick up even more silverware to add to his already impressive collection.

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Joel Matip admitted he’s been mightily impressed with the manner in which Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister have started their Liverpool careers.

The pair have started every league game for Jurgen Klopp’s men this term, racking up 16 appearances collectively in the English top-flight so far.

“All of the new players have settled in well,” the Cameroonian told Liverpool’s website (via BBC Sport).

“Dom [Dominik Szoboszlai] and Macca [Alexis Mac Allister] have played almost the whole time and they have done it brilliantly. You can see that, both playing with the ball and also against the ball, their adaptation has been great.

“OK, they did that in their old clubs too, but they have never looked like they’re really new here.”

Special credit should perhaps be on off for the Argentinian international who has mostly been forced to play out of position to accomodate for Fabinho’s summer exit.

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How well we’ve kicked off the latest campaign is a testament to how quickly Mac Allister and Szoboszlai have adapted to the demands and expectations that come with the famous red shirt.

Whilst it can be fairly pointed out that our starting midfield hadn’t necessarily been completely replaced, with the likes of Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott offering more than a gentle nod to what came before.

But to replace stalwarts in our former No.3 and ex-skipper Jordan Henderson so comfortably does deserve at least some credit.

There’s a conversation to be had, of course, around the future of the No.6 position, though perhaps such concerns may be addressed in the January window amid the ongoing chatter around Andre of Fluminense.

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Craig Burley has named two Liverpool players who he believes lack the consistency to start for either Arsenal or Manchester City.

The former Scotland international was speaking on the ESPN FC podcast when he addressed Anfield defensive duo Ibrahima Konate and Joel Matip, who he said have had their moments in red but wouldn’t get in other Premier League challengers’ line-ups.

The 52-year-old said: “Konate and Matip, at times – particularly Matip, who has been there longer – have had some really good spells but I think they are now both inconsistent in their decisions.

“If you look at [Virgil] Van Dijk’s partner and you look at the other big challengers, I don’t think Konate or Matip get into any of those other teams at centre-back.

“Maybe you can take Tottenham out of the occasion with [Micky] Van de Ven and [Cristian] Romero. But if you look at Arsenal, you aren’t changing Matip and Konate for Gabriel or [William] Saliba. You’re not changing at Man City.”

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We don’t doubt for a minute that both Arsenal (Gabriel and Saliba) and Man City (Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji) can boast excellent centre-back partnerships, but we’d venture to suggest that both clubs would happily take Konate and Matip in their respective squads.

Of those six defenders, Liverpool’s Cameroonian centre-half has won the most aerial duels (16) and has the highest success rate (72.7%) for that particular metric, and has also made more clearances (30) than the other two club’s defensive partnerships combined, as per FBref.

Meanwhile, Konate hasn’t played as often as the other five defenders but is still very composed in playing out from the back, with a passing accuracy of 90.2% for the season, which is superior to the Gunners’ Brazilian ace.

You can be sure that Jurgen Klopp is very glad to have both of them in his squad at Liverpool, and the 24-year-old Frenchman has arguably yet to hit his peak.

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Joel Matip has explained that the Thursday-Sunday fixture schedule that comes with Europa League participation is ‘not the best combination’ but insists the Reds will ‘give it our all’ to succeed in the competition.

Despite a strong end to last season Jurgen Klopp’s side missed out on Champions League football for just the second time since the German tactician’s arrival back in 2015.

The Anfield outfit have won both of their group stage games so far as they aim to make it all the way to the final in Dublin next year.

“Playing on Thursday night and Sunday afternoons is not the best combination, but a lot of teams do it and so should we,” Matip said (as quoted by Caught Offside).

“We are used to playing in midweek so this is not new for us, but of course, it means there are always just two days in between whenever we play in the Europa League.

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“There’s not a lot of time to prepare for the weekend game as there will always be more time needed on recovery. But we all want to play European football and therefore we are ready to give it our all.”

The Reds have balanced European football and domestic fixtures well in recent years with us competing for the Premier League with Manchester City in three of the past five seasons while also reaching the Champions League final three times during Klopp’s tenure.

We currently have what is probably the best squad we’ve ever had during the former Borussia Dortmund manager’s tenure so should certainly be in with a shout of Europa League success this term.

The English top-flight is as competitive as ever at the moment so we’re going to need some luck with injuries throughout the campaign if we’re wanting to compete on all four fronts.

Matip may no longer be a regular starter under Klopp but he’s a player that gives his all whenever called upon.

His current deal expires at the end of the season and with it unlikely our No. 32 will be offered a new deal let’s hope his last campaign on Merseyside is a successful one.

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James Pearce has heralded Joel Matip’s ‘very solid’ contribution to Liverpool in the first two months of the 2023/24 season.

The Athletic reporter and three of his colleagues were reviewing the Reds’ campaign so far when they addressed a number of categories, including who has been the ‘unsung hero’ of Jurgen Klopp’s squad.

Pearce put forward the £100,000-per-week defender (Capology) as his pick, saying: “I expected Ibrahima Konate to nail down the centre-back spot next to Virgil van Dijk, but the former Cameroon international had other ideas.

“Matip has started six of Liverpool’s eight games and he’s repaid Klopp’s faith with his contribution defensively. He’s been very solid.”

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While the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mo Salah and Darwin Nunez have taken much of the glory among the Liverpool squad so far this season, Matip’s contribution to the team also deserves plenty of recognition.

There was a justifiable sense among many Reds supporters during and after the transfer window that a centre-back addition was needed, but the 32-year-old certainly hasn’t let anyone down with his displays since the start of the campaign.

As per FBref, he’s won the second-most aerial duels (16) and made the fourth-most interceptions (eight) and ball recoveries (38) at Anfield so far in 2023/24, while WhoScored figures show that he ranks second for clearances per match (4.7).

The only real blemish on Matip’s season up to this point is one for which he can’t be blamed, being the unfortunate man to unwittingly divert the ball into his own net for Tottenham’s last-gasp winner at the end of September in what was a moment of sheer bad luck.

Such has been his form that Konate has had to settle for a place on the bench and piecemeal substitute appearances even since his return from injury (Transfermarkt). Through no fault of the Frenchman’s, don’t expect that to change soon unless fate intervenes.

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Dominik Szoboszlai was clearly a big fan of Steven Gerrard before he even became a Liverpool player and this is illustrated on his own arm, as he has a quote from our former captain inked on there.

The Hungarian showed this artwork to Joel Matip and Diogo Jota, when he said: “I actually have one from [Steven] Gerrard”.

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To which his Portuguese teammate replied: “You have one from Gerrard?”

Our No.8 responded with: “Yeah. This one, if you can read it…”

When the former Wolves man then said: “Not from here I can’t”.

Before the midfielder finally revealed: “..I’ll give you a lot of money, because it’s Hungarian!”

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It’s not only great to see that our No.8 is clearly a huge fan of one of the most famous previous holders of his number but also settling in so well with his new teammates.

The ability to speak and joke so well with other members of the dressing room despite not being a native English talker and being so young, is yet another reason to be impressed.

You can view Szoboszlai’s comments on his Gerrard tattoo (from 2:04) via Liverpool FC on YouTube:

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Liverpool Football Club is fortunate to host a rich blend of cultures and personalities.

Inevitably, however, there are some minor clashes when it comes to tastes and preferences, with Dominik Szoboszlai left a little flabbergasted at Joel Matip and Diogo Jota’s gaming preferences – specifically when it comes to Call of Duty.

The Hungarian international couldn’t believe his eyes when the pair revealed their apathy toward the videogame, with the latter far more interested in the likes of Candy Crush, Football Manager and FIFA.

You can catch the clip below, courtesy of Liverpool’s official YouTube channel:

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Curtis Jones was left jokingly demanding answers after a pre-match rondo from the Liverpool players took an unexpected turn!

The Reds were going through their usual pre-game routines, with the 22-year-old the man in the middle as his teammates sought to keep the ball off him.

A few seconds into the drill, Joel Matip scooped a ball into the air and it sailed straight into the back of the oblivious midfielder’s head.

The Cameroon defender put his hands to his own head upon realising what he’d done and, upon turning around, Jones held out his arms as if to demand an explanation, with some ironic cheers from fans who had a close-up view of the incident.

Joel beware – CJ might try to get his own back in the Reds’ next training session!

You can view the rondo gone wrong below, via @IanDoyleSport on Twitter/X:

Red hot #LFC rondo action #LIVUSG pic.twitter.com/T44WfDOM69

— Ian Doyle (@IanDoyleSport) October 5, 2023

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