---
title: "Joel Matip returns to full training"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/joel-matip-returns-to-full-training/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ste Hoare"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2019-01-15T16:35:02Z"
modified: "2019-01-16T11:48:43Z"
---

# Joel Matip returns to full training

Liverpool have received a welcome injury boost as defender Joel Matip has returned to full training.

The Cameroon international was [pictured training](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/334111-liverpool-training-photos-new-kit-melwood?utm_source=Social&utm_medium=TwitterWebsiteCards&utm_content=Digital&utm_campaign=LFCTwitterCards) with his teammates ahead of the Reds’ clash with Crystal Palace this Saturday, and his return has come at a very good time for Jurgen Klopp.

Liverpool are without both Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren and in their absence, Klopp has been forced to select Fabinho as a makeshift centre-back.

![Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/readliverpoolfc/2019/01/1081687588.jpg)

The Brazilian played well in that position against Wolves and Brighton, but Matip’s return should allow him to move back into his usual midfield role.

That in itself will be a boost as Trent Alexander-Arnold will be out of action for a few weeks with a knee injury, which will likely lead to James Milner going to right-back, thus the need for midfield reinforcements is only heightened.

Matip has been out of action since he dislocated his shoulder in the last minute of the 1-0 win over Napoli in mid-December but is in contention to return this weekend.