Joel Matip appears to be stepping up in his recovery from injury, with Liverpool’s official Twitter account publishing an image of him back on the Melwood training pitches.
Twitter:
M E L W O O D https://t.co/SnWSWiz7XJ (@LFC)
The centre-back has not played since the Reds’ 1-1 draw against Manchester United in October because of an issue with his knee, but he seems to be making good progress in his bid to return to fitness.
Jurgen Klopp revealed on December 7 that Matip would miss at least two more weeks of action, and following a lengthy lay-off, he is back with a ball at his feet.
Read Liverpool’s verdict
Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren have deputised alongside Virgil van Dijk in central defence since Matip’s injury, and both players have turned in some solid performances.
The Reds have won their 11 Premier League games since the defender’s knee problem, and have not conceded in their past five top-flight outings.
Gomez, in particular, has established a strong partnership alongside Van Dijk, and it could prove difficult for Matip to force his way back into the starting line-up.
However, Klopp and his men will undoubtedly be relieved to have the central defender available again in the near future, as they bid to extend their 13-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.
Matip was tremendous in a memorable campaign last time out, and his presence could help the likes of Gomez to step up even further given the increased competition for places.
