Liverpool centre-back Joel Matip was involved in first-team training last night and should start today’s game against Ajax, according to The Athletic‘s James Pearce.
The 29-year-old was not even in the squad for the 1-1 draw against Brighton at the weekend, sparking fears of another injury for the defender but he will be available for tonight’s fixture after simply being rested on Saturday.
Although fans on Twitter are happy to see Matip involved, they are rather worried that he’ll pick up another knock considering his poor injury record over the past year or so:
Miracles happen
— Will | 19 TIMES (@will_roddersLFC) November 30, 2020
Should’ve been rested for Atalanta not Brighton lmao
— ?️ (@Aran0123) November 30, 2020
Matip’s new training gear pic.twitter.com/lLZPMfyEaw
— Liam ?? (@liamdean16) November 30, 2020
He’ll last one match.
— Jeff Sims (@RedWeaponX) November 30, 2020
Our current best CB?
— Dream_spirit (@Dreamspirit10) November 30, 2020
Don’t let him train….stick him in ice between games ??
— Mike Warburton (@wobblykopite) November 30, 2020
Having visions of him being rolled in bubble wrap for safety to face Wolves at the weekend once the final whistle goes.. Should probably do the same with Hendo and Gini!
— Cormac Tighe (@Cormactighe1) November 30, 2020
Finally some good news though 🙂 @StephenMcGann
— Kristin Wilkinson (@SilentKW) November 30, 2020
Welcoming sight will be him leaving training without getting injured.
— Vinay (@Vinayst85) November 30, 2020
Having Matip and Fabinho in the starting line up this evening should help the Reds get the result they need at Anfield. A draw is all that is required for them to qualify for the knockout stages and making sure they are secure at the back will be one of Jurgen Klopp’s main priorities. With five substitutes, they will be able to take players off in order to save their legs and, with the next game against Wolves on Sunday, it should give Matip enough time to recover.
