Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp claims Joel Matip isn’t actually injured, but was just left out of Saturday’s 3-0 win over Crystal Palace.
The Reds coasted to victory against the Eagles on Saturday. Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Naby Keita were all on the scoresheet for Liverpool.
Liverpool remain unbeaten in the Premier League this season, and have conceded just once in their five games.
A key part of that record has been Joel Matip – but the centre back was notable by his absence against Palace.
Klopp explains Matip absence
There were obviously fears that Matip had picked up another injury.
Matip has suffered a number of injury blows over the years, and Liverpool manage his minutes as a result.
Matip was outstanding against Leeds last week, but dropped out of the side against Palace in favour of Ibrahima Konate.
Klopp has cleared up the situation, telling Liverpool’s official website that Matip was ‘not injured’.
Klopp noted that Matip wasn’t even on the bench because Liverpool didn’t want the ‘danger’ of maybe having to bring him on.
“Joel is not injured or anything, we just left him completely out of the squad so we don’t get into danger of bringing him on or whatever,” said Klopp.
Matip deserves return to Liverpool side
It’s often said that you should keep the shirt if you play well.
Konate will hope that’s how Klopp views it, but Matip deserves to get his spot back.
The 30-year-old is Virgil van Dijk’s best partner, and he has been colossal in the first few weeks of the season.
He may have to drop out every now and then, but Matip remains a key part of the Liverpool side and should keep Konate out for a little while yet.
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