Liverpool defender Joel Matip is only expected to return to fitness for the fixture against Manchester City next month, according to The Times.

It was hoped that the centre-back would return to action for the game against West Ham this weekend but it now appears that the 29-year-old will miss the clash versus the Hammers, as well as the Champions League group match against Atalanta.

Matip’s fitness record over the past couple of seasons has been very poor and supporters on Twitter have expressed their disappointment with the defender’s latest injury setback:

Rate him but he's made of paper

— DG (@dgittos98) October 29, 2020

We don't need glass time for signing 1 cb in jan and one in June

— Bolt⚡mane (@mane_bolt) October 29, 2020

This guy can’t play 2 games in a row

— ? (@WaliH95) October 29, 2020

1 game matip’s play, 10 game he will rest. Lol

— hafidz Arif (@hafidzArif8) October 29, 2020

Sell him please.

— Mr John (@BaldEagle__) October 29, 2020

Why is it always with him hes meant to be out for one game he was just meant to have a rest after the derby klopp said obviously has no desire to play through the pain barrier

— Paul Rutherford (@Rutherfordpaul0) October 29, 2020

Time to find a replacement. He is just making money sitting out almost every season. Not his fault but cannot rely on him anymore.Time to be sold as value probably still there

— KPithia (@kmpithia) October 29, 2020

I like matip but its time to find his replacement. We just can't rely on the guy for any amount of time. Sometimes a player has to play through the pain.

— Peter Murphy (@PeterMu43809302) October 29, 2020

He’s made of glass him always on the side lines

— Aaron C (@Aarondbarbarian) October 29, 2020

Following Fabinho’s hamstring injury against FC Midtjylland on Tuesday evening, it leaves manager Jurgen Klopp with just one fit centre-back in Joe Gomez. It may mean that teenager Rhys Williams will be asked to start against West Ham on Saturday after coming on to replace Fabinho during the week. Alternatively, Jordan Henderson could be asked to deputise in the back four.