Joel Matip Injury: Updates on Liverpool CB's Ankle and Return

Joel Matip's Liverpool career has gotten off to a rough start, as the summer signing suffered an ankle injury during the pre-season friendly with Wigan Athletic. However, it appears the defender will return to full fitness shortly.

Continue for updates.

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Matip Diagnosis Reportedly Revealed

Monday, July 18

Kristian Walsh of the Liverpool Echo reported that a scan on Matip's ankle revealed the injury "is not serious." Walsh added that the defender only has bruising, "meaning there are no long-term fears about the injury."

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Matip Leaves Wigan Friendly with Late Injury

Sunday, July 17

According to James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo, Matip suffered a knock to the ankle and had a long discussion with the medical staff before he disappeared down the tunnel. Manager Jurgen Klopp later confirmed the Cameroon international had a "little problem with his ankle."

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Matip Set to Address Major Need for Reds

Matip joined the Reds on a free transfer this summer, having spent the last couple of seasons with Schalke 04. The 24-year-old signed his pre-contract in February, providing Klopp with the defensive reinforcement he so desperately needed.

The back four was one of Liverpool's biggest issues last season, following the injury to star youngster Joe Gomez. Dejan Lovren flashed his talent at times, but consistency eluded him. And while Mamadou Sakho enjoyed a solid campaign, he ran into a doping violation and is expected to miss the start of the season with an injury of his own, per Pearce.

Matip made a strong impression against Wigan before he suffered the knock, and expectations are he'll be a vast improvement in the Liverpool defence. Klopp didn't seem too concerned with the injury, and given the fact it's only pre-season, the Reds are likely to be extra cautious.