---
title: "Matip pictured in training following injury lay-off"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/articles/matip-pictured-in-training-following-injury-lay-off/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Luke Osman"
section: "Articles"
published: "2020-01-08T08:30:00Z"
modified: "2020-01-08T08:30:00Z"
---

# Matip pictured in training following injury lay-off

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: ![📍](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/12.0.0-1/svg/1f4cd.svg) 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](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/10/29/joel-matip-unlikely-return-knee-injury-time-liverpools-crunch/), but he seems to be making good progress in his bid to return to fitness.

[Jurgen Klopp revealed on December 7](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/376843-joel-matip-fitness-latest) 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.

![Catherine Ivill/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readliverpoolfc.com/readliverpoolfc/2020/01/1182290808-2.jpg)

The Reds have won their [11 Premier League games](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/joel-matip/leistungsdaten/spieler/82105) since the defender’s knee problem, and [have not conceded in their past five](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/joel-matip/leistungsdaten/spieler/82105) 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](https://www.premierleague.com/tables) 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.