Defender puts Liverpool focus before international duty.
Liverpool defender Joel Matip has confirmed he will not play for Cameroon at the African Cup of Nations in January in an interview with the Daily Telegraph.
Matip, who joined Liverpool on a free transfer from Scahlke in the summer, has impressed in recent weeks for the Reds and has shown signs of forming a good central defensive partnership with Dejan Lovren.
However, it was feared Matip might miss a crucial few weeks of the season at the turn of next year due to international duty with Cameroon due to take part in bi-annual tournament.
Matip has not played for his country in over a year because of a self-imposed exile, but is available for selection at the competition in Gabon between January 14 and February 5.
Cameroon coach Hugo Broos claimed last month that Matip has not been answering his calls about a potential recall to the international side and the defender has admitted he will not be returning to play at the Africa Cup of Nations as he does not want to interupt his first season at Anfield and feels his decision to miss international football will leave him in the best shape possible for Liverpool.
“I would say at the moment I will be concentrating on Liverpool,” Matip told the Daily Telegraph. “It is a long time until January so you never know, but that is the idea.
“Last year I had injury problems. The extra games and travelling were going to make it harder for me. I had to listen to my body and it told me that the international week was the right time to have a break.
“I spoke with the Cameroon manager and he was not happy, but I have to do what is right to be 100 percent and make sure I am not injured again, especially at an important time in my career starting at Liverpool.”
News of Matip’s decision to stay at Liverpool in January will come as a major boost to Jurgen Klopp during such a hectic stage of the season.
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