Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has recently suggested that one of his key players might have played his last game for the club. This comes in light of the player's contract nearing its end and a significant injury that could sideline him for the rest of the season.
The Reds, currently leading the Premier League with 67 points, have faced a challenging 2023/24 campaign due to injuries to several crucial players. Andy Robertson was out for over 100 days following shoulder surgery, while Stefan Bajcetic, Ibrahima Konate and Trent Alexander-Arnold also missed significant parts of the season due to various injuries.
One player who continues to be absent from action is Joel Matip. The 32-year-old defender ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during a dramatic 4-3 victory in the Fulham fixture on December 3rd. Following a successful operation, Matip is expected to miss out on playing for the remainder of this season according to Liverpool's official website.
Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool manager, said:
“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.”
Joel Matip’s has been injury prone throughout career
Matip previously enjoyed an impressive run in Liverpool’s first team alongside Virgil van Dijk but now finds himself in an uncertain situation as he enters into his final year at Anfield. Speaking ahead of their Premier League match against Sheffield United on Thursday, Klopp hinted that Matip’s season may be effectively over.
Days after Matip sustained his serious injury against Fulham, Klopp was asked about their defensive situation amidst an action-packed fixture list – and it seemed he was agitated by this question.
Matip has expressed his desire to stay at Liverpool
At the start of this season, Matip expressed his desire to stay at Liverpool but no agreement has been reached yet regarding renewing his contract which adds further uncertainty about his future with The Reds.
Joel Matip, Liverpool defender, said:
“Here in Liverpool, with these absolutely top conditions, you can’t just leave, I also feel incredibly comfortable here in my private life. I think it’s desirable not to constantly change clubs. But everyone has to decide that for themselves. In any case, I find consistency helpful.”
“If in the end it was just [Schalke and Liverpool], I would be perfectly happy. But in football you never know for sure.”
While it remains unclear whether Joel Matip will continue his journey with Liverpool, the situation serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability and challenges that injuries can bring to a footballer's career. As sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts, it is crucial to keep an eye on such developments as they can significantly impact team performance and game outcomes.
