---
title: "Joel Matip Vows to Maintain Fitness as Fixture List Intensifies"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/joel-matip-promise-injuries-klopp-fixtures/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2020-12-04T08:00:53Z"
modified: "2020-12-04T08:00:53Z"
---

# Joel Matip Vows to Maintain Fitness as Fixture List Intensifies

[Liverpool](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2020/12/03/steven-gerrard-included-in-uefas-ultimate-team-of-the-year/)defender [Joel Matip](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2020/12/01/liverpool-fans-are-in-hysterics-after-joel-matips-latest-funny-antics/) has told Jurgen Klopp he’s ready to stay injury-free and perform ahead of a time when he is [needed most](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9001503/Jurgen-Klopp-insists-Liverpools-injury-crisis-congested-fixture-schedule.html).

The Reds have suffered a [mammoth injury crisis](https://www.premierinjuries.com/injury-table.php) so far this season and Matip has found himself as the [only fit senior central defender](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/fc-liverpool/kadernachposition/verein/31) left available to Klopp, with [Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12130212/joe-gomez-and-virgil-van-dijk-injuries-puts-huge-stress-on-liverpool-squad-says-jamie-redknapp) long-term absentees.

Matip himself has been far too [injury-prone](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/joel-matip/verletzungen/spieler/82105) during his stint at Anfield, leading to [some concern](https://metro.co.uk/2020/11/13/liverpool-news-joel-matip-is-like-a-willow-tree-and-reds-must-buy-a-defender-says-club-legend-13590823/) the Cameroonian wouldn’t be the man to be relied upon coming up to the [hectic Christmas schedule](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/match/2020-21/first-team/fixtures-and-results).

However, in this week’s [matchday programme](https://reachsportshop.com/matchday_programme/liverpool-v-ajax-01-12-2020/) from the 1-0 victory over Ajax, the 29-year-old stated he is up to the task, saying: “You have to come back and you try to be back stronger, but of course you always need some time to get back on a good level. I am feeling good now and I am looking forward to playing a lot of games.”

The centre-half has become [something of a cult hero](https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/joel-matip-me-a-cult-hero-thats-not-the-worst-thing-ive-ever-heard-8wnbt8s06) and seems to understand the importance he could have towards the fate of Liverpool season, proclaiming: “I hope to be playing as much as possible and to stay fit.”

### READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

Matip has [all the attributes](https://www.90min.com/posts/4263535-liverpool-legend-lists-joel-matip-s-qualities-and-the-one-attribute-that-makes-him-much-more-potent) to be one of the best players among this trophy-winning Liverpool squad and was recently described as [‘incredible’](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/416681-jurgen-klopp-joel-matip-has-been-incredible-since-he-joined-us) by Klopp.

The only thing holding him back during his time as a Red since [arriving on a free transfer in 2016](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/feb/15/joel-matip-liverpool-schalke-transfer-signing)has been his own injury tribulations – something which needs to end given the woes of his defensive teammates.

He is now more important than ever as a [leader at the back](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8856445/This-Joel-Matips-moment-Virgil-van-Dijk-step-lead-Liverpool.html) as he is partnered by a[variety of different makeshift options](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12130212/joe-gomez-and-virgil-van-dijk-injuries-puts-huge-stress-on-liverpool-squad-says-jamie-redknapp) in Fabinho, or inexperienced performers in Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams.

The most likely commonplace partnership, should they both stay fit, seems to be [Matip and Fabinho](https://www.sofascore.com/team/football/liverpool/44) as the two most experienced options, with the Brazilian [impressing after dropping back](https://www.goal.com/en/news/he-looks-like-hes-been-a-centre-back-his-whole-life-fabinho/1xvqvi660cly41evjhrpxwrm0n) from his usual midfield role.