---
title: "Virals: Jurgen Klopp confirms Joel Matip ‘will be not be available’ for EPL clash"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/virals-jurgen-klopp-confirms-joel-matip-will-be-not-be-available-for-epl-clash/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2022-03-04T12:50:00Z"
modified: "2022-03-04T12:54:36Z"
---

# Virals: Jurgen Klopp confirms Joel Matip ‘will be not be available’ for EPL clash

[Liverpool](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2022/03/04/pundit-lauds-amazing-liverpool-star-alisson-following-final-contribution/) 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](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2022/03/01/virals-jurgen-klopp-confirms-thiago-maybe-fit-for-ucl-clash/) and perhaps Curtis Jones.

Klopp [confirmed the news](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHddEElG4Cc) during a pre-match press conference.

> Matip out of game v West Ham due to illness. Thiago still sidelined and Jones a doubt [#LFC](https://twitter.com/hashtag/LFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
>
> — James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) [March 4, 2022](https://twitter.com/JamesPearceLFC/status/1499725034633547779?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

There was also uncertainty as to whether midfielder [Naby Keita](https://www.premierleague.com/players/12316/Naby-Ke%C3%AFta/overview) will be available for the important fixture.

The German boss also found time to [laud](https://twitter.com/JamesPearceLFC/status/1499724640415096835) 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](https://twitter.com/JamesPearceLFC/status/1499724640415096835?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

So far this season Matip has earned an outstanding [7.28 average Sofascore rating](https://www.sofascore.com/player/joel-matip/51501) from 21 league outings.

### READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

Huge news.

Whilst the loss of Matip will likely be supplemented by [Ibrahima Konate](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ibrahima-konate/leistungsdaten/spieler/357119), any absentee at this stage of the season is a blow.

There would appear to be [midfield headaches](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/team/first-team) 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.