Joel Matip Set to Miss Rest of Liverpool's Season Due to Surgery on Thigh Injury
Liverpool have confirmed defender Joel Matip is set to have surgery on a thigh problem.
The club said in a statement on their official website that the Cameroon international picked up the issue during the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday.
"The operation is likely to end the 26-year-old's involvement in the remainder of the 2017-18 season," the Reds confirmed.
In the short term, it means Matip will miss Wednesday's UEFA Champions League quarter-final at Anfield against Manchester City.
The Reds secured the signing of the centre-back in 2016 on a free transfer from Schalke 04, and he’s proved to be one of the smartest acquisitions the club have made in recent seasons.
Physically, he has shown the quality to cope with English football, dominating opponents in the air and displaying controlled aggression in the way he seeks to win the ball back.
Additionally, Matip brings an assurance to the base of the team alongside Virgil van Dijk with his smart distribution.
For manager Jurgen Klopp, the issue comes at the worst possible time, as Liverpool's season is set to reach a critical point. With Joe Gomez sidelined by an ankle problem, the Reds appear to be a little light in defence.
Dejan Lovren, who is renowned for being inconsistent at the base of the side, is likely to start against City on Wednesday as a result.
