Joel Matip is fit for Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Burnley on Thursday night, Jurgen Klopp has confirmed.
The 29-year-old has been absent through injury in recent weeks, not featuring since the 1-1 draw at home to West Brom on December 27th.
It has meant Jordan Henderson and Fabinho have had to play as a centre-back pairing, with Nathaniel Phillips and Rhys Williams also featuring.
Matip has trained all week, however, and speaking in his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Klopp said the Cameroonian was available again:
Joel is in full training and now we have to make a decision. Yesterday he trained completely normal.
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This is a major positive for Liverpool, with Matip a big miss since getting injured last month.
Granted, the Reds have only conceded once in the three league games without him, but a weakened defence has meant their attacking play has suffered, with focus seemingly more on staying secure at the back.
Having Matip back means Henderson can return to the midfield against Burnley, possibly starting alongside Thiago and Gini Wijnaldum.
Matip is a top class centre-back when he is fit – keeping him away from the treatment table between now and May is going to be so vital.
