Liverpool suffer major blow to Premier League title hopes as Jurgen Klopp confirms star defender to miss entire season

JOEL MATIP ruptured his ACL during Liverpool’s victory over Fulham, Jurgen Klopp has confirmed.

The defender is now set to undergo surgery that will likely end his season.

PAJoel Matip suffered a horror injury against Fulham[/caption]

Matip, 32, was substituted in the 69th minute of his side’s dramatic 4-3 win over Fulham on Sunday.

Prior to tonight’s 2-0 triumph at Sheffield United, Kop boss Klopp admitted that things didn’t “look good”.

Asked after the game about the results of scans done on Matip, the sombre German said: “It’s an ACL, ruptured.

“That’s unfortunately what I expected from the first… everything looked like that.

“Very unfortunate, but that’s it.”

As it stands, Matip is set to be out of contract at Anfield next summer.

It remains to be seen whether the injured star will be offered an extension.

The Cameroonian has been a stalwart for Liverpool, playing 201 times since joining from Schalke in 2016.

Alexis Mac Allister limped out of tonight’s clash in the 59th minute, having been cut on his leg during the first half.

Offering a further update on the Argentine’s status, Klopp added: “Macca, it was a shame. Early, he stepped on his knee, there was a cut.

“As long as the wound was open, we just strapped it, obviously it was painful but he could play.

“Then we stitched it but then obviously it got a bit tighter there and then he couldn’t move anymore. Now we have to see how long that will take. I hope not too long.”

Liverpool won tonight’s match via goals by Virgil van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Their three points kept them second in the Premier League table, just two points behind leaders Arsenal.

GettyAlexis Mac Allister picked up a knock against Sheff Utd[/caption]   

Advertisements