Jurgen Klopp, the Liverpool boss, has hinted that the season ‘isn’t long enough for defender’ Joel Matip to make a comeback from injury.
Matip has been out of action since December due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament injury he sustained during a victory over Fulham.
Despite his efforts to recover, it seems time is not on the 32-year-old’s side. With April approaching and potentially seven more weeks of the season remaining, Klopp feels this won’t be sufficient time for the Cameroon star to return.
Matip has resumed running, which he dislikes, but is now pain-free. However, Klopp stated: “Joel is running. He hates that, but he is able to run again. He’s now pain-free, but it all takes time. I don’t think the season is long enough for him.”
Matip’s absence has put Liverpool’s defensive resources to the test in a season plagued by injuries.
However, this has provided an opportunity for young players to shine, reports the Mirror.
Jarell Quansah has stepped up to partner with Virgil van Dijk in Matip’s absence. The 21-year-old has performed admirably in some of Liverpool’s most crucial matches.
Conor Bradley is another emerging talent who has filled in for Trent Alexander-Arnold, as Klopp continues to keep his side ahead of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in the title race.
Matip won’t get to play under Klopp again because the manager is leaving at the end of the season.
Klopp wants his injured players to come back soon, especially with the busy part of the season coming up. He said: “If there are different ways (to get players back) we would have but they just need minutes and they will be needed. Maybe next week.
“I hope it’s not the case now with Curtis (he gets injured), he was outstanding until he got injured. Outstanding in training but let’s see how he gets on.”
