Liverpool’s defensive line has suffered a significant setback as manager Jurgen Klopp confirmed that centre-back Joel Matip has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and is likely to miss the remainder of the 2023/2024 season.
Speaking after Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Sheffield United in the English Premier League, Klopp revealed that Matip sustained the serious knee injury during his most recent appearance against Fulham when he awkwardly turned. Subsequent scans confirmed the Reds’ worst fears – a ruptured ACL. Klopp expressed his disappointment, stating, “That’s what I unfortunately expected from the first second. Everything looked like that. Very unfortunate.”
ACL injuries typically require surgery and extensive rehabilitation, making it highly likely that Matip will be sidelined for the rest of the current campaign. His absence leaves Liverpool with alternative central defensive options, including Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, and Jarell Quansah for the coming months. This setback might prompt Liverpool to consider January transfer market options.
Despite the injury blow, Liverpool remains firmly in the EPL title race, securing a 2-0 win over Sheffield United with goals from Virgil van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai. Klopp’s team continues to apply pressure on league leaders Arsenal and progresses smoothly through their Europa League group.
As Matip’s contract is set to expire this summer, it remains uncertain whether the injury-prone defender has played his final match for the Anfield club. Liverpool has previously been linked with potential reinforcements such as Sporting CP’s Gonçalo Inácio and SL Benfica’s António Silva. Matip had started nine of Liverpool’s 14 league games this season before this unfortunate setback.
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