Liverpool' boss Jurgen Klopp confirms Joel Matip sustained ankle ligament damage in win vs Tottenham

Liverpool’s defensive crisis deepens as Jurgen Klopp confirms Joel Matip sustained ankle ligament damage in win over Tottenham… leaving Reds in desperate need of a new centre back ahead of January window shutting

Liverpool may have got back on track in style with a 3-1 victory away at Tottenham, but it wasn’t all good news for Jurgen Klopp on Thursday after yet another injury in defence to Joel Matip.

Injury-prone Matip was forced off at half-time during Liverpool’s emphatic win on Thursday, in which he was replaced by Nathaniel Phillips as the Reds ended their five-game unbeaten run in the Premier League.

And following the final whistle, Klopp confirmed that Matip had sustained ankle ligament damage at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, leaving Liverpool in a defensive crisis once again.

Joel Matip was forced off with an injury at half-time of Liverpool's 3-1 victory at Tottenham

Joel Matip was forced off with an injury at half-time of Liverpool’s 3-1 victory at Tottenham

Liverpool's win at Spurs on Thursday night was somewhat marred by Matip's ankle injury

Liverpool’s win at Spurs on Thursday night was somewhat marred by Matip’s ankle injury

Fabinho missed out in north London due to a ‘minor’ muscle injury, putting pressure on Matip to step up in his absence as Liverpool’s only experienced centre back alongside midfielder Jordan Henderson on Thursday.

Matip had only recently returned to Liverpool’s starting line-up following three weeks out with a groin injury.

Defensive midfielder Fabinho has been filling in brilliantly at centre back for the Reds in the absence of regulars Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez – who are out for the long-term – while Matip had already missed large chunks of the season through injury. 

And now Liverpool are set to be without Matip for quite some time following his latest setback, and it has become even more crucial that Klopp dips into the transfer market before the window closes on February 1.

Matip had only recently returned to fitness after missing three weeks with a groin injury

Matip had only recently returned to fitness after missing three weeks with a groin injury

Nathaniel Phillips came on at half-time to partner Jordan Henderson in the heart of defence

Nathaniel Phillips came on at half-time to partner Jordan Henderson in the heart of defence

Klopp was questioned on a potential move late on in the transfer window following the final whistle.

The charismatic German responded: ‘We think about everything. We try to do the right thing. I am not picky but we need to find the right player.

‘We have players still, but it’s incredible what’s happening in defence.’ 

The Matip-Henderson combination was the 11th different partnership Klopp has used in the top flight this season – highlighting their issues in the position. 

And the latest injury news will surely put Liverpool on alert in the January transfer window as they try to defend their Premier League crown. 

More to follow… 

Fabinho, who has filled in excellently in defence, missed out due to a 'minor' muscle injury

Fabinho, who has filled in excellently in defence, missed out due to a ‘minor’ muscle injury

source: dailymail.co.uk