Liverpool provide Joel Matip injury update ahead of crunch Tottenham clash

The centre-half had to be substituted at half-time during Reds 1-1 draw with Fulham after suffering a back issue


Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is hopeful that Joel Matip could return for his side's huge game against Tottenham on Wednesday.

The German centre-back is the latest Reds player to suffer with an injury issue after he was taken off at half-time during their 1-1 draw with Fulham on Sunday due to feeling a pain in his back.

With Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez still sidelined for the foreseeable future the last thing Klopp needs is yet another defender ruled out.

But speaking after Sunday's match he said there is still a possibility that Matip will be able to start against Spurs.

"Joel has a spasm in his back," Klopp said. "We will see. He will get treatment and we will see. I think there will be a chance for Wednesday. It’s not that bad at the moment."

The upcoming clash sees first take on second in the Premier League in a game that could have big implications for the race for the title.

But Klopp does not seem worried about the prospect of having to potentially play one of his less experienced centre-backs such as Nat Phillips or Rhys Williams.

"We are not struggling with numbers at centre-back, they are just getting younger and younger," he added.

"Today we brought Hendo (Jordan Henderson) in to that position. I hope Joel will be fine, but I don’t know. We will have to find a solution. That’s how the football season is."

Spurs are currently top only on goal difference, with Jose Mourinho's side and Liverpool level on 25 points.

But just five points separate the two sides from eighth placed Manchester United , with it looking likely we could be set for one of the most fascinating battles for first place in years.

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