LIVERPOOL (Reuters) – Liverpool are facing a growing injury list ahead of their Premier League clash at bottom club Sheffield United on Wednesday with defender Joel Matip the latest casualty.
Matip injured his knee during the second half of Liverpool’s 4-3 victory over Fulham at Anfield on Sunday — a result that lifted Juergen Klopp’s side a point above Manchester City into second place and two points behind leaders Arsenal.
“I don’t know the exact timescale but it doesn’t look good,” Klopp said of Matip’s condition. “That is something we can say.
“The scan is not done yet so we don’t know exactly but it is not great. From the first minute it was clear.
“I spoke to him and said: ‘Ah no, that is not good’. But how long (he will be injured for), we don’t know.”
Forward Diogo Jota is improving after the muscle injury sustained in last month’s 1-1 draw at Manchester City but will not be involved while goalkeeper Alisson Becker remains out.
On top of that full back Andy Robertson is still recovering from shoulder surgery, midfielder Stefan Bajcetic has suffered a succession of setbacks since returning from an adductor injury and Thiago Alcantara has not played a minute all season.
With a packed fixture list ahead it is hardly ideal although a trip to Sheffield United should not pose too many problems, even if they did reappoint former fan favourite Chris Wilder as manager on Tuesday after sacking Paul Heckingbottom.
“First thing, we can probably bin our analysis!” Klopp said after the managerial change at Bramall Lane.
“We have to focus on ourselves, I don’t think he (Wilder) will change too much — what can he change in that short period? He probably has his press conference now, training after that and maybe another session in the morning.”
The match offers Egypt forward Mo Salah the chance to notch his 200th goal for Liverpool.
“He is right up there. A player with his numbers I’m not sure I will ever coach again,” Klopp said. “His development as a man is incredible and very impressive, as a player as well.
“All-time great, without a shadow of a doubt.”
(Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Ken Ferris)
