Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed central defender Joel Matip will miss the Premier League meeting with West Ham.
The 30-year-old is unwell and will therefore be absent for the clash at Anfield along with Roberto Firmino, Thiago and perhaps Curtis Jones.
Klopp confirmed the news during a pre-match press conference.
Matip out of game v West Ham due to illness. Thiago still sidelined and Jones a doubt #LFC
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) March 4, 2022
There was also uncertainty as to whether midfielder Naby Keita will be available for the important fixture.
The German boss also found time to laud reported target Jarrod Bowen as an ‘unbelievable player’ whilst also praising Declan Rice, Tomas Soucek, Said Benrahma and Michail Antonio.
Klopp asked about Moyes never winning at Anfield: "Long may that continue! He has made smart transfers. Bowen is an unbelievable player."
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) March 4, 2022
So far this season Matip has earned an outstanding 7.28 average Sofascore rating from 21 league outings.
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Huge news.
Whilst the loss of Matip will likely be supplemented by Ibrahima Konate, any absentee at this stage of the season is a blow.
There would appear to be midfield headaches returning for Klopp and it’s likely three of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner and Harvey Elliott will feature.
All of the issues appear to be minor and supporters will be hopeful that a fully fit squad isn’t too far away once again.
