The Africa Cup of Nations take place during an important phase of Liverpool’s season.
Liverpool defender Joel Matip may not be part of the Cameroon squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, according to the Liverpool Echo, because of a ‘self-imposed exile’.
Matip signed for the Reds this summer from Schalke on a free transfer and there was a degree of expectation among Reds fans that they may lose their defender for a run of games during the midway point of the campaign.
However, the Cameroon coach Hugo Broos has claimed that Matip has not been answering his calls about a potential recall to the international side.
Broos is quoted, saying: “There are players who never wanted to come and play these games.
“I refer in particular to the Matip brothers. For Joel, I called him 15 times and I even sent him messages but he never responded. Marvin preferred to stay with his club.”
The ball certainly certainly seems in Matip’s court when it comes to his international career, but if he decides not to represent Cameroon during the midway point of the season, it could be of some benefit to Liverpool.
It looks as though Matip is part of the first choice central defensive partnership with the Reds under Jurgen Klopp, meaning he could be available for a crucial run of games in the Premier League featuring a trip to Manchester United in January and Chelsea at home at the start of February along with the early stages of a possible FA Cup run rather than playing for Cameroon.
Of course things could change in the meantime, but for as long as Matip is fit it looks as if he is going to be available to the Reds at a crucial period in their season.
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