Liverpool may be waiting quite a while for Joel Matip’s return following Jurgen Klopp’s pre-Sheffield United update.

In comments relayed by Paul Joyce on X, the German tactician confirmed the Cameroonian’s injury ‘doesn’t look good’.

Jurgen Klopp on Joel Matip injury: "Now we lost Joel. It doesn't look good. It is not great. How long I don't know yet."

— paul joyce (@_pauljoyce) December 5, 2023

It leaves the Reds a little more bare at the back, with Jarell Quansah sure to be relied on to a greater degree alongside remaining options Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez.

READ MORE: ‘What can he change?’: Jurgen Klopp’s first words on Chris Wilder ahead of Sheffield United reunion

READ  MORE: BBC pundit fears Liverpool now can’t coach frustrating habit out of player

How will Liverpool react?

It’s an unfortunate blow for the ‘incredible’ (as Jurgen Klopp once described him in comments relayed by Football365) 32-year-old centre-back who had, up until this point, been the first-choice partner to Virgil van Dijk owing to some impressive performances.

Fortunately, a defender of our French international’s quality can, and will, step in in his place, though this will be a concern for our medical department in light of the former’s troubling injury record.

Another injury to Konate would surely then send the alarm bells ringing all over the AXA training centre ahead of the January transfer window.

Could we consider bringing in a new body to compensate?

Jurgen Klopp may argue in favour of waiting it out, lest we fill the squad with temporary bodies. Though, the shadow cast by an injury-ridden 2020/21 campaign is still long enough to tickle the edges of 2023/24.

EOTK FPL Gameweek 14 Review : HOLD Trippier? The long-term view, Zinchenko’s time to shine? Eject your Villans?

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Jurgen Klopp has issued encouraging updates on injured Liverpool duo Diogo Jota and Alisson Becker ahead of Wednesday night’s clash against Sheffield United, but ruled out any possibility of either featuring at Bramall Lane.

Both players picked up knocks in the recent 1-1 draw at Manchester City and have been sidelined ever since, although it’s hoped that both might be back by the end of this month.

At his press conference on Tuesday afternoon, the Reds manager was asked about the status of his squad ahead of tomorrow’s fixture in Yorkshire when he shared the latest on the aforementioned players.

Klopp told reporters [via liverpoolfc.com]: “[Jota] was running yesterday outside on his birthday. Everything is going in the right direction, but nobody told me he will be back in team training today. No, there is still some time. With Ali the same. Obviously Ali is closer but not available for tomorrow definitely.”

READ MORE: (Video) Jorginho thinks Liverpool have an ‘unbelievable’ player who’s even better than De Bruyne

READ MORE: (Video) Alternative angle of Mac Allister’s goal on Sunday makes it look even more stunning

There was never any realistic prospect of either Jota or Alisson recovering in time to face Sheffield United, although the update from Klopp does seem generally positive on both counts.

The 27-year-old’s absence has left Liverpool with just four senior forwards and therefore little scope for rotation during a hectic period of fixtures, while Caoimhin Kelleher is deputising in goal for the Brazilian but endured a rare off-day in the 4-3 win over Fulham at the weekend.

Everyone associated with the Reds will be yearning to have as full a squad as possible throughout the unrelenting December schedule, and our first-choice goalkeeper certainly seems on target to be back for the Manchester United game on Sunday week, as has been previously suggested.

Fingers crossed that both Jota and Alisson will continue to make good progress in their respective recoveries and that both will return to action as quickly as can realistically be hoped.

EOTK FPL Gameweek 14 Review : HOLD Trippier? The long-term view, Zinchenko’s time to shine? Eject your Villans?

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Jurgen Klopp has admitted that Liverpool may need to ‘bin our analysis’ following the re-appointment of Chris Wilder to the head coach position at Sheffield United.

The Echo’s Paul Gorst relayed the manager’s comments on X (formerly Twitter) ahead of the Reds’ visit to Bramall Lane on Wednesday.

Klopp on Chris Wilder appt: "I obviously remember the way they played under Wilder, overlapping wing-backs. That was part of it. We can probably bin our analysis. We will see, we have to focus on ourselves, I don't think he will change too much, what can he change already?"

— Paul Gorst (@ptgorst) December 5, 2023

This follows the Blades’ decision to sack Paul Heckingbottom with the side currently bottom of the Premier League table.

READ MORE: 24-year-old Liverpool star’s days on the bench could end soon after BBC pundit’s comments

READ  MORE: BBC pundit fears Liverpool now can’t coach frustrating habit out of player

A much-needed change at Sheffield United

With the club four points from safety, the alarm bells aren’t yet ringing in West Yorkshire, though some amount of concern is more than warranted.

It’s unfortunate timing for Liverpool who will surely dread in part the potential impact of the ‘new manager bounce’ phenomenon.

Wasted analysis or no, this is still one of the most exciting teams in world football paying a visit to the worst defence in the English top-flight.

Hopefully, the performance on the pitch will reflect that reality as we’ve known it all season.

EOTK FPL Gameweek 14 Review : HOLD Trippier? The long-term view, Zinchenko’s time to shine? Eject your Villans?

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Jorg Schmadtke is understood to already be hard at working identifying Liverpool’s next potential additions over the coming transfer windows.

This comes courtesy of Thomas Coast at Sport Witness (relaying one report from Gazzetta dello Sport), with the German having brought Juventus youngster Kenan Yildiz to his compatriot’s attention.

The 18-year-old is thought to have also attracted the wandering gazes of Bundesliga outfits RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund.

READ MORE: 99th percentile for non-penalty goals: Liverpool given green light to sign ex-Arsenal Academy ace

READ MORE: Moises Caicedo’s agent delivers fresh statement on failed Liverpool transfer

Do Liverpool need a No.10?

It’s difficult to know just how Liverpool’s midfield will evolve over the coming years, though in the meantime it seems the two No.8s and one No.6 is here to stay.

Trent Alexander-Arnold may be pushed permanently into the midfield to better utilise his skillset, though we can’t imagine a No.10 becoming the focal point of this side in the near future.

That’s not to suggest this will be Yildiz’s final position, of course, with Transfermarkt listing the teenager as a multi-functional attacker featuring primarily as a shadow striker, though being capable of filing out on either flank.

It’ll be quite a while before we look to replace one of the likes of Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo or Luis Diaz, though it can’t hurt to keep one eye trained on the future!

EOTK FPL Gameweek 14 Review : HOLD Trippier? The long-term view, Zinchenko’s time to shine? Eject your Villans?

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The cheeky side of Jurgen Klopp came out after Liverpool produced a stunning late comeback to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat against Fulham on Sunday.

The Reds were 3-2 down at Anfield with less than five minutes of normal time remaining when two goals in 80 seconds from Wataru Endo and Trent Alexander-Arnold turned the game on its head dramatically.

The manager treated the adoring Kop to his customary triple fist-pump straight after the final whistle, and once the initial euphoria had subsided, the 56-year-old reverted to his fun-loving persona away from the heat of battle.

In the latest instalment of Inside Anfield on Liverpool’s official YouTube channel, one piece of post-match footage shows Klopp approaching the camera lens and chirped ‘Hee-hee’, his teeth bared in a huge grin as he enjoyed the light-hearted moment.

We dare you not to break into laughter at the sight and sound of the boss’ brilliant reaction!

You can view the footage of Klopp below (from 14:02), via Liverpool FC on YouTube:

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Liverpool fans know that we not only have a tremendous group of players but also a manager that is arguably the best in world football but Jermaine Jenas thinks he knows better.

Speaking on Match of the Day, the former midfielder said: “Trent Alexander-Arnold needs to be in midfield”.

READ MORE: (Video) Alexander-Arnold comments on ‘mental’ Fulham victory; ‘game full of emotion’

Seeing as the winning goal came from the Scouser after he had moved into midfield, then there is certainly an argument that the 25-year-old should change his position full-time.

However, Jurgen Klopp will know Trent Alexander-Arnold better than anyone else and we will trust his opinion over that of the pundits we watch on television.

You can watch Jenas’ comments on Alexander-Arnold via @BBCMOTD:

"Trent Alexander-Arnold needs to be in midfield"

Agree with @jjenas8? #MOTD2 pic.twitter.com/Cxh1EFofcv

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) December 4, 2023

Anfield Annals: Matt McQueen the Anfield All-Rounder who did everything in 36 years as a Red

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If you want to know how much the 4-3 win over Fulham today meant to Liverpool’s players and coaching staff, one short clip gives you the answer.

A manic game at Anfield saw the Reds twice give away a first-half lead before falling behind to the visitors, with Wataru Endo and Trent Alexander-Arnold scoring in the final five minutes of normal time to provide an astonishing finale to a rollercoaster match.

A clip shared by @505levres on X showed the passion writ large on the faces of Jurgen Klopp, Darwin Nunez and Dominik Szoboszlai as the manager enveloped the two players in a passionate embrace.

The bellow from the Uruguayan as he hugged the boss showed just how ecstatic he was at the final whistle, and what this result means to him and his Liverpool teammates.

You can view the celebrations below, via @505levres on X (formerly Twitter):

pic.twitter.com/jUB1VXG3D4

— hae drwnunez (@505levres) December 3, 2023

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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.”

READ MORE: (Video) Andreas Pereira felt the full force of colossal Virgil van Dijk during Anfield epic

READ MORE: (Video) Liverpool fan captures Reds players’ glorious reaction to Trent’s late winner

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.

#Ep96 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones

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Pep Guardiola didn’t need too long to come up with his answer when asked to name the toughest manager he’s ever faced.

Without hesitation, the Manchester City boss replied with his Liverpool counterpart Jurgen Klopp, with the two recently sharing the spoils during their Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium.

The Spaniard took part in a Saturday Social Q&A for Sky Sports, and upon being asked to identify his hardest-ever managerial opponent, he said: “Jurgen Klopp. First, we’ve faced [each other] a thousand million times at [Borussia] Dortmund and here [Man City].

“Second, because he beat me a lot and that was always a challenge to do it again and again and again. I respect him a lot, because I think his teams always play in Dortmund or in Mainz before or now, in Liverpool, it’s so attractive for spectators, it’s so positive.”

Guardiola added: “We respect each other; at least from my point of view, I respect him a lot and of course, we have argued. I don’t like to be beaten by him but [he] has been my biggest rival for [the] amount of times we’ve played, how difficult it was and the pleasure when you beat him, beat them because you know how difficult it is.

“Not for the pleasure because it’s football and you can win or lose it. It’s part of the game, it’s how difficult it is and we can play bad, good and I like it, that’s all.”

It’s no wonder Guardiola is in awe of what Klopp has done against his teams – the Liverpool boss has inflicted more defeats as a manager on the 52-year-old than anybody else, getting the better of him on 12 previous occasions.

For context, Jose Mourinho is the only other coach (seven) to have scored more than four victories against the current Man City boss (Transfermarkt), which makes the German’s accomplishment all the more remarkable.

Amid the evident rivalry which has built up between us and the Manchester club over the past decade, the managers of both teams evidently hold each other in very high esteem, and with good reason.

You can view Guardiola’s comments on Klopp below (from 9:17), via Sky Sports Premier League on YouTube:

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It’s always exciting when the club hands out a new contract to a player as it shows they’re clearly playing well and are happy to extend their relationship with Liverpool, even more so when Jurgen Klopp is a big fan of them too.

As reported on liverpoolfc.com: ‘Conor Bradley has signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool FC.’

The right-back has struggled with injuries so far this season but in a week where he played at Anfield against LASK and now signed a new deal, it’s certainly going to be one to remember.

READ MORE: (Video) New angle of Diaz’s goal gives new appreciation of finish

Last season, the boss said (via liverpoolfc.com): ‘I am not sure if he will become Player of the Season there but for sure he is a contender for that, which is absolutely great’ – the defender went on to claim that exact award for Bolton Wanderers.

It’s clear then that the German is a big fan of the 20-year-old and so we should all be excited to see him sign on the dotted line.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is undoubtedly the right-back for the Reds but having some cover, alongside Joe Gomez, is exactly what we need.

READ MORE: (Video) Former Liverpool ‘keeper advises Onana to ‘go back to basics’

Since Nathaniel Clyne, we haven’t had any proper cover in the position and now it’s over to the Dungannon Swifts youngster to provide the competition we need.

There’s enough opportunities in the Europa League and domestic cup competitions that the full-back can be on the pitch to show us all what he can do.

Let’s hope that this new deal spells the real start of Bradley’s Anfield career and that we see him kick on from here.

Anfield Annals: Matt McQueen the Anfield All-Rounder who did everything in 36 years as a Red

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Jurgen Klopp has revealed he prevented one Liverpool player in particular from leaving the club in the summer.

Caoimhin Kelleher was the subject of interest from the likes of Spurs, Brentford and Brighton (according to the Irish Independent) but the German tactician insisted that the stopper should remain on Merseyside despite having to settle for a place as back-up to Alisson Becker.

At the end of last season Klopp claimed that only an ‘extraordinary offer’ would make him even consider selling the 25-year-old and the former Borussia Dortmund boss has now admitted that the fact our No. 62 is classed as ‘homegrown’ also played a role in the decision to block any potential move away.

“We had discussions in the summer obviously about [moving on] but as long as we don’t have a solution we cannot loan players,” Klopp said (as quoted by 90min). “He is homegrown and the first responsibility is to do the best for Liverpool and then we have to see how we can sort it.

“Now obviously for him, it is a situation he did not want to have, but, obviously, somehow yes because you want opportunities, you want to play, now he will get a few games, definitely. I trust him.”

READ MORE: Liverpool ‘keeping a close eye’ on Serie A talent who Schmadtke has recommended to Klopp – report

With Alisson sustaining a hamstring injury during our 1-1 draw with Manchester City last weekend, Kelleher is not set for a spell in the starting XI.

The Irishman kept a clean sheet as we defeated LASK 4-0 at Anfield last night and he’ll be hoping for more of the same on Sunday when we welcome Fulham to L4.

He’s a brilliant ‘keeper but unfortunately for him he’s got the ex-Roma stopper ahead of him in the pecking order.

Our No. 1 is recognised by many as the best goalie in the world. So although Kelleher may not have played as many games as he would’ve liked at the age of 25, he will have learnt an awful lot from his teammate which will set him in good stead for the remainder of his career.

The Cork-born talent, who Klopp described as ‘exceptional‘ following last night’s victory, is under contract with the Reds until the summer of 2026.

Anfield Annals: Matt McQueen the Anfield All-Rounder who did everything in 36 years as a Red

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Jurgen Klopp was delighted with the performance of one Liverpool player last night after he made his long awaited return from injury.

Conor Bradley, who was a late substitute as the Reds defeated LASK 4-0 at Anfield in the Europa League, enjoyed a successful spell on loan at Bolton Wanderers last term winning the club’s player of the season award.

He made his sixth senior appearance for Liverpool against the Austrian outfit last night and our German tactician has labelled the Northern Ireland as ‘a real talent’.

“I love it – you can see in those few moments that he is a real talent for us,” Klopp told TNT Sports (via Football365).

“We really count on him. It is so nice. There are a lot of positives. I told him after the game to enjoy it. He is very football wise but the body still needs to grow.”

READ MORE: ‘I didn’t know he had that’ – Joe Cole was blown away by what 21-y/o Liverpool ace did last night

As well as making his return to action last night, the 20-year-old today signed a new long-term deal at the club.

During the remainder of the campaign Bradley will challenge Trent Alexander-Arnold for a spot at right back and will be eager to earn more minutes in the cup competitions.

Our No. 84 still has a lot of learning and development to do, however, but he’s certainly showing plenty of promise at his tender age.

Anfield Annals: Matt McQueen the Anfield All-Rounder who did everything in 36 years as a Red

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Jurgen Klopp will be looking to rotate his team ahead of the weekend’s clash with Fulham and has confirmed that one player will be making a rare start in the Premier League.

Speaking with the media, the German was asked whether Caoimhin Kelleher would start: “Yeah, no doubt. No doubt. We see him every day in training. He is an exceptional, exceptional talent.

“Maybe we don’t mention his name often enough, but it is a John Achterberg thing.

READ MORE: (Video) Klopp: Fulham man is one of ‘greatest players the Premier League ever saw’

“From day one when I am in, he told me this will be our homegrown boy who will make it. Since then, we see every step. He was a boy and now he’s a man. And yeah, top goalie, no doubt.”

After keeping a clean sheet against LASK, the Irishman will have some confidence going into the game with the Londoners and ahead of a string of games he’s likely to feature in, whilst Alisson Becker is injured.

The 25-year-old is, like many second-choice ‘keepers, starved of opportunities at Anfield and will be determined to grab this one with both hands.

You can watch Klopp’s comments on Kelleher (from 3:16) via BeanymanSports on YouTube:

Anfield Annals: Matt McQueen the Anfield All-Rounder who did everything in 36 years as a Red

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Liverpool face Fulham this weekend and it’s clear that Jurgen Klopp has a lot of love for one of their players in particular, ahead of their trip to Anfield.

Speaking to the media, the German said: “The little curly one. One of the greatest players the Premier League ever saw still going and going and going [Willian].”

READ MORE: Florian Wirtz sends Premier League message; Liverpool ‘keep following the situation’ – report

It was a rather comical compliment from the boss but shows the respect he clearly has for the former Arsenal and Chelsea winger, who’s still performing at the highest level as a 35-year-old.

46 goals and 43 assists in 298 games in the Premier League shows how impressive the Brazilian has been, as well as probably being very underrated.

You can watch Klopp’s comments on Willian (from 2:38) via BeanymanSports on YouTube:

Anfield Annals: Matt McQueen the Anfield All-Rounder who did everything in 36 years as a Red

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Even with Liverpool cruising for much of the second half against LASK on Thursday night, Jurgen Klopp was still vexed with one of his players over an erratic moment at Anfield, issuing a stern three-word message.

In a piece for the Liverpool Echo, journalists Paul Gorst and Theo Squires compiled a list of tidbits which the main TV coverage would likely have missed.

One of those was an angry reaction from Curtis Jones towards Kostas Tsimikas after the midfielder took up a promising position at the edge of the penalty box, only for the Greek defender to overhit a long ball to the back post which had to be retrieved by Harvey Elliott.

It wasn’t just the Scouser who had words for the 27-year-old, either, with the article noting: “Jones wasn’t the only man inside Anfield to get frustrated with Tsimikas on Thursday night. Manager Jurgen Klopp did at one point in the second half too after the same erratic cross.

“The German could be seen screaming on the sidelines, before holding his hands up to his face to gesture glasses. He has, after all, not needed his trademark spectacles for a number of years now.

” ‘Open your eyes!’ was the accompanying call, albeit perhaps more family-friendly, if the ECHO’s lip-reading skills upon observing the replay in the Anfield press box are to be trusted!”

READ MORE: Ex-Man City defender suggests one Man Utd player can learn from his Liverpool counterpart

READ MORE: (Image) Curtis Jones heaps two-word praise on Liverpool teammate who won 6 duels v LASK

While deputising for the injured Andy Robertson, Tsimikas had a night to forget away to Toulouse in the Europa League last month, but followed it up with two assists against Brentford and a decent display at Manchester City.

He came very close to scoring in the first half last night with one fizzing shot which thundered off the crossbar and had a largely tidy performance, although his distribution from the left could indeed have been better at times. As per Sofascore, he found a teammate with only one of his four crosses.

Even with Liverpool comfortable at 3-0 when the Greece defender failed to pick out Jones midway through the second half, the reaction from the midfielder and Klopp made it very clear that the Reds were in no mood to let their standards drop despite the result virtually being in the bag by that point.

It’s a facet of Tsimikas’ game on which he can still improve, but he showed against Brentford that he can be a very useful supplier of goals when at his best, so hopefully we’ll see that side of him a few more times before Robertson comes back.

#Ep96 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones

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