Liverpool defender Joel Matip has been ruled out of tonight’s game against Red Bull Salzburg, according to The Athletic‘s Liverpool correspondent James Pearce.
The reliable journalist claims the knock that the centre-back picked up against Sheffield United will mean he will be replaced by Joe Gomez this evening. Fans on Twitter are happy to see the England international get some game time:
Class for class ??
— Lachy (@Lachyhough9) October 1, 2019
Nice to see him back in.
— Paul Dwerryhouse (@pau1d1989) October 1, 2019
Good game for Joe to show what he can do?
— Stan01 (@Stan0116) October 1, 2019
yessssss gomez back!
— ً (@DHadleyyy11) October 1, 2019
I am going to miss Matip. ? But I will enjoy the game with Gomez in his place. ?
— Robin Slick (?️? for now) ? (@RobieSlick) October 1, 2019
Actually happy about that we need to rotate the squad and give some of the regulars a rest. Hope Origi and the Ox also start tmr
— Governor (@ashggov) October 1, 2019
LEZZ GO!!! @J_Gomez97 #YNWA
— ?RinzlerTheRed? (@DontMocMe) October 1, 2019
Feels nice knowing we have 3 quality cb's
— ? (@_mikant_) October 1, 2019
It’s great to see the depth of the squad is strong compared to decades of mediocre #YNWA #LFC
— Alan (@Alan45075546) October 1, 2019
Matip’s form has forced Gomez down the pecking order at the start of the season. The 22-year-old did play in the Community Shield defeat to Manchester City, the opening day win against Norwich and in the Super Cup, but his only other start came against MK Dons in the Carabao Cup last week.
The defender will be hoping to make the most of his chance back in the first team. He firmly established himself as Virgil van Dijk’s centre-back partner at the beginning of last campaign but the fractured leg he picked up in December meant he struggled to regain his place after his return to fitness.
