Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Joel Matip has returned to full training, easing Liverpool’s centre-back concerns.
However, the Reds boss has said that a late decision will be made on whether he can face Atalanta tomorrow in the Champions League.
Liverpool’s Joel Matip Returns to Full Training
Plagued by Injuries
The Reds have been plagued by injuries at the back so far this season. Virgil van Dijk is likely to miss the rest of the season through injury, while makeshift centre-back Fabinho is now also missing.
As a result, it meant that 23-year-old defender Nathaniel Phillips made his debut in the 2-1 win over West Ham United over the weekend. While he impressed on his debut, his run in the side could be short-lived.
Speaking about the potential return of Matip, Klopp said: “Yesterday was recovery for some and normal training for the others, so now we have to see how the boys feel today. It’s pretty early now and I have not all the information, but I hope nothing serious.
“Naby and Joel trained yesterday with the team, full, Thiago didn’t.
“I have really no idea what I do with this information in the moment because yes, they trained, that’s good, it’s better than if they don’t train. But we have to see what we do with it.
“We have another day to make these decisions. A lot of players will be on the plane hopefully, and so decisions will be made late, late, late.”
Should Matip not be declared fit for the trip to Italy, it is likely that Phillips will continue alongside Joe Gomez at the heart of the defence. And Jurgen Klopp will be hoping that there is no more injuries to his defence on Tuesday night.
Liverpool face Atalanta in the hoping to make it three wins from three in the Champions League.
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