Joel Matip has made it known he is fit and available for selection ahead of Liverpool’s meeting with Manchester United on Sunday.
The centre-back had been a mainstay in the heart of Jurgen Klopp‘s defence before being forced to miss Liverpool’s back-to-back dramatic wins over Red Bull Salzburg and Leicester City earlier in the month after picking up a knock in the win over Sheffield United.
His absence paved the way for both Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren to partner Virgil van Dijk, who were both not entirely convincing in their bid to retain their place with a hint of rustiness apparent due to a lack of game time.
And having returned to training at Melwood earlier in the week, Matip has now declared himself available for selection ahead of the meeting with Manchester United, where Liverpool will look to extend their winning streak in the league to an astonishing 18 games.
“I’m back in training and hopefully I will stay fit,” he told Liverpoolfc.com. “I’m back in training and I feel good. Of course, if I’m needed, I will be there.
“Injuries [happen] to a player. Now I’m back, I hope I stay fit and I can focus on the positives.”
Matip’s proclamation comes as another welcome boost on the injury front for Klopp and Co. following the news that Alisson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Mohamed Salah have successfully recovered from their respective injuries having participated in training throughout the week.
It ensures Klopp will almost have his full squad at his disposal for the trip to Old Trafford, with only Xherdan Shaqiri left on the sidelines as he continues to recover from a calf injury sustained in training prior to the League Cup clash with MK Dons.
Moreover, should Klopp stick with Andy Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk, as expected, and Matip’s return to the fold coincide with Alisson‘s first appearance since the opening day of the Premier League season, then it will be the first time since the Champions League final that the ‘first-choice’ back five take to the field together.
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