Aniket Rai
Manchester United receive a boost as Liverpool star Joel Matip is set to miss the derby in January
Speaking in a press conference after the draw against Newcastle United (h/t Daily Mail), Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp confirmed that Joel Matip will miss 3 weeks of action, which includes a match against Manchester United.
Liverpool host Manchester United at Anfield within the said 21 days. The match, scheduled to be played on 17th January, could be a clash to go top of the league.
United raced to second in the table after a late win against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday. A 93rd-minute winner from Marcus Rashford ensures that United go into 2021 just 3 points behind their rivals.
And now United have received a major boost going into the derby, with Liverpool being without Matip. The Cameroonian was Liverpool’s only fit senior centre-back.
He suffered an injury against West Bromwich Albion in the 1-1 draw. A scan later revealed the extent of the issue, which saw him sit out of the clash against Newcastle United.
Jurgen Klopp confirmed after the 0-0 draw at St. James’ Park that the 29-year-old will miss the next 3 weeks.
“The normal stuff with these kind of injuries, [he will be out for] around about three weeks.”
Who could play?
Liverpool are already without their two first-choice centre-backs. Virgil van Dijk is out for the majority of the season due to an ACL injury.
On top of that, Joe Gomez himself picked up a serious injury while on duty with the England national team. As of now, the club is without any senior centre-backs.
A report by Sportmail (h/t Daily Mail) also states that Liverpool are not looking to bring in any defenders in January. The clubs are looking inwards to solve the defensive crisis.
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Fabinho has deputised in the absence of Liverpool’s first-choice defenders. But Joel Matip was for long his defensive partner.
The Brazilian can now be paired with youngster Rhys Williams (19) or the inexperienced Nat Phillips (23) in the heart of Liverpool’s defence.
