OPINION
Liverpool have been handed a major injury boost ahead of their clash against Manchester United on Sunday after it was reported that Joel Matip is in contention to play in the derby showdown at Old Trafford.
London Evening Standard reporter David Lynch claimed via his personal Twitter account on Tuesday that Matip, 28, has returned to full training for the Reds and could feature for Jurgen Klopp’s side this weekend.
Joel Matip back in full training for #LFC – in contention to face Manchester United on Sunday.
— David Lynch (@dmlynchlfc) October 15, 2019
Matip was forced to miss wins against Leicester and Red Bull Salzburg before the international break due to a knock he received in the 1-0 win over Sheffield United a week before the 2-1 win over the Foxes.
Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren both filled in for Matip while he recovered but now it would seem as though the in-form Cameroon international has every chance of returning to the starting line-up on Sunday for the big derby against Man United.
Matip has been one of the stand-out players for Liverpool this season – if not their most impressive.
According to stats by WhoScored, the ex-Schalke centre-back has averaged more tackles [1.8] and interceptions [1.7] per Premier League appearance than any other Liverpool defender with more than one appearance this season.
He has also won more aerial duels per league game [6.0] than anyone else in Klopp’s squad and ranks third at Anfield for the average amount of passes completed per match [69.0].
If anything, Matip has more than matched Virgil van Dijk for his performances int he heart of the Liverpool back-line this season so to have the Cameroonian back in the squad is a huge boost ahead of Sunday’s big match.
Liverpool’s 100 per cent record has led to them being eight points clear at the top of the table with eight games played.
If they keep that run going this weekend then it bodes well for a cluster of tough Premier League fixtures that are on the horizon.
Matip is bound to be key in those games.
