Cameroon International Joel Matip has been ruled out for rest of the season with a thigh injury just a day before the Champions League quarter final against Manchester City.
The 26-year-old center back took a hit against Crystal Palace that turned out to be more severe than initially thought.
A statement on the club’s website confirmed Matip’s injury saying,
“Joel Matip is likely to require an operation on a thigh injury, Liverpool can confirm.
“The center back sustained the issue during Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhrust Park.
“Matip was able to complete the full 90 minutes of the fixture, but afterwards medical assessments on the thigh revealed surgery is expected to be required to correct the problem.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“The operation is likely to end his involvement in the remainder of the 2017-2018 season.”[/perfectpullquote]
The news comes at a time that could make or break Liverpool’s entire season. The Red’s have entered a busy week where they will have a run of three tough games in a space of six days.
They will be hosting Manchester City in the champions league on Wednesday, visiting Everton for the Merseyside Derby on Saturday before going to the Etihad next Tuesday for the second leg.
Matip has been a crucial part of Juggen Klopp’s back line this season and was expected to start alongside Virgil van Dijk against Manchester City. The towering defender has so far made 25 appearances this season, scoring once in the process.
They are already short staffed at the back after losing English defender Joe Gomez who suffered an ankle injury while on international duty while Nathaniel Clyne is yet to play this season due to a back injury.
They will also be without Adam Lallana who was forced to come off with a hamstring injury five minutes after coming on a second half substitute on Saturday.
Liverpool gaffer Jurgen Klopp will be expected to address the extent of both injuries at the news conference later today after the training session at Melwood.
