Jurgen Klopp suggests Liverpool player might have played his last game for the club

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp seems to have indicated that the season’s duration is insufficient for one of his players to fully recover from injury. The Reds, currently leading the Premier League with 67 points, have experienced the absence of several crucial players throughout significant periods of the 2023/24 season.

Andy Robertson underwent shoulder surgery and was sidelined for over 100 days, while Stefan Bajcetic, Ibrahima Konate, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, among others, have also endured spells on the sidelines due to injury.

Another player who remains sidelined is Joel Matip. The 32-year-old sustained a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament during a thrilling 4-3 triumph over Fulham on December 3.

Following a successful operation, the German-born defender is projected to be absent for the remainder of the 2023/24 season, as stated on Liverpool’s official website.

Matip, who previously formed a formidable partnership with Virgil van Dijk in Liverpool’s first team, is in the final year of his contract at Anfield. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp suggested ahead of their Premier League clash against Sheffield United that Matip’s season is essentially over, despite the defender’s progress in running again and being pain-free. Klopp emphasized the lengthy recovery process and expressed doubts about the season’s duration being sufficient for Matip’s full return.

Following Matip’s serious injury against Fulham, Klopp expressed frustration when questioned about Liverpool’s defensive situation amid a busy fixture schedule.

Earlier in the season, Matip expressed his desire to remain at Liverpool, citing the excellent conditions and his comfort in both professional and personal life.

However, there is currently no agreement in place to extend his contract, leaving his future at the club uncertain.