Liverpool have confirmed that defender Joel Matip returned to training yesterday morning after missing the Reds’ last two matches because of a knock.
The 28-year-old picked up the problem in the 1-0 victory against Sheffield United and subsequently missed the wins against Red Bull Salzburg and Leicester City.
Matip has been working his way back to fitness during the international break, and he should now be ready to start against Manchester United on Sunday. Fans are delighted to hear that the centre-back is back available:
The news we all wanted.
— Sam (@SamueILFC) October 15, 2019
We missed Matip so much. Lovren was "okay" but our defense looking still more vulnerable without Alisson and Matip! Please, please let's smash United at their ground. Let us make them sack another manager ?
— Julian⭐️ (@Julian_01m) October 15, 2019
Put him straight in against united
— Adrián Matofari (@Adriano__Kop) October 15, 2019
Am glad!
— Giacinto Navie (@GNavie) October 15, 2019
Thank God Matip is Back for Sunday
— Justin Cole (@JustinCole46103) October 15, 2019
The best VVD's partner???
— Dream_spirit (@Dreamspirit10) October 15, 2019
Lovely to see our giraffe back ❤️
— RedLi (@LiJBanks) October 15, 2019
VVD Matip
AB1 pic.twitter.com/7UICq6vluf— Jay (@Dayofthejay) October 15, 2019
Great news
— Eathen.. (@Eathen_1892) October 15, 2019
You love to see it
— Jay? (@libpool6) October 15, 2019
Matip has certainly been missed with the Reds having conceded four goals in just two games in his absence. His partnership with Virgil van Dijk in the centre of defence has blossomed over the last twelve months, and his return could prove to be an important factor if Jurgen Klopp’s side go on to get a result at Old Trafford.
Alisson Becker and Mohamed Salah are also expected to be back in contention for this weekend’s game.