Joel Matip Injury: Liverpool Defender Out vs. Bournemouth Due to Ankle Injury

Liverpool centre-back Joel Matip will miss Sunday's Premier League match at Bournemouth because of an ankle injury. 

News of the Cameroon international defender's absence came via Liverpool's official Twitter feed:

"

Joel Matip misses today's game due to an ankle injury. #BOULIV pic.twitter.com/vDnWCJGP1B

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 4, 2016"

According to the Liverpool Echo's James Pearce, Matip travelled with the squad, but his knock was deemed too much of a risk.

Lucas Leiva will instead partner Dejan Lovren against the Cherries, per the Reds' official Twitter feed:

It’ll be a blow to Matip, who is enjoying his first season in the Premier League after his move from Schalke 04 last summer.

Any injuries to centre-backs are likely to be a major concern to manager Jurgen Klopp, as the Reds are a little short in this area—as demonstrated by the use of midfielder Lucas there.

Lovren has become a regular under the German, but Ragnar Klavan has endured a mixed spell since he arrived at Anfield in the summer and Mamadou Sakho has been marginalised at Liverpool following a turbulent summer.

Matip brings something different to the Reds back four, though. The 25-year-old is a towering presence in the air, rarely getting bested by opposition attackers. In addition, he’s superb at timing tackles and a defender who can distribute with authority from deep.

Liverpool supporters will hope to see Matip back in action quickly, with important games to come against West Ham United, Middlesbrough and Everton heading into the busy Christmas period. Any potential layoff will be far from ideal as he continues to acclimatise to English football.