Liverpool centre-back Joel Matip is expected to be fit for the huge top of the table clash against Manchester United on January 17th, according to reports.
The 29-year-old sustained an adductor injury in the 1-1 draw against West Brom and is expected to be sidelined for three weeks. He is said to be on course to return in that timeframe meaning he should be fit to face the Red Devils at Anfield.
However, with Matip’s fitness record, nothing is ever that straightforward, and fans on Twitter are only cautiously optimistic about having the defender back in time for the game:
This is HUUUGGEE
— Malc the human (@maLc_daddy) January 6, 2021
@Willzz2 wow, now we win ?
— Léo – Cotia FC ?? #FreeDiegoCosta (@charliedmorgan) January 6, 2021
That’s a very big IF with that joker.. I would be shocked personally.. he is rarely on target for returns. And even if he does get back for that game, he will get 2 games MAX until he is out again, either injured or rested for fear he will get injured, he’s a total waste of time.
— **CAPTAIN MOUSTACHE AND HIS MAGIC FLUTE (@MoustacheHis) January 6, 2021
OMMMGGGGG
— IshaanS_ (@lfcishaan_) January 6, 2021
”Last minute test showed not ready for game” incoming @robinbylundLFC
— Johan Lindström (@saknarintresse) January 6, 2021
How many minutes will he last though? ?
— Murray Lane (@GhostmanMus) January 6, 2021
Good. When he comes back, I think our form will be back. A win against United is what we need
— jake (@PhilippeMicheal) January 6, 2021
Yeah and he will be injured again before end of the game
— Ahmed El-Hosary (@ElGimmy) January 6, 2021
Sounds like a new signing !!
— Mustafa ツ (@M0KO14) January 6, 2021
If Matip is back then it would be a big boost for manager Jurgen Klopp. The Reds selected two midfielders as centre-halves against Southampton and their performance suffered as a result.
Having at least one centre-back fit to play United could make such a difference but, with Matip in particular, it is best not to get ahead of ourselves.