Joël Matip doesn't have to worry that he has played his last game in a Liverpool shirt. If it's up to Jürgen Klopp, the management will come to the aid of the 32-year-old defender.
During the home match against Fulham, disaster struck for Matip. Due to a severe knee injury, it's unlikely that the 32-year-old defender will be able to actively complete his current contract.
Matip's contract expires next summer. "But I'm pretty sure that the club will show its class, as it should," Klopp said ahead of the away match against Crystal Palace.
"We have to make the right decision together and see what it looks like after the injury, but that seems normal to me," Klopp continued. Matip is normally the regular defensive partner of Virgil van Dijk. "He deserves all the support from us and he will get it. Whether he gets a new contract is not my decision. I can't sign the papers."
Alisson and Mac Allister
With a win at Selhurst Park, Liverpool would temporarily take over the top spot from Arsenal. It remains to be seen whether Alisson Becker and Alexis Mac Allister will be fit in time for the trip to London. "For Alisson, it looks good, but we don't know yet if he'll make it. For Mac Allister, it doesn't look good; we're assessing it day by day. I don't believe he'll be there."
If Mac Allister indeed misses out, Ryan Gravenberch might get another chance in the starting lineup. The Dutchman started against Fulham but had to sit on the bench against Sheffield United. One definite starter is Van Dijk. "He will always be important for us. Virgil is the best defender in the world. Has he played lesser games? Yes. But if you show me someone who hasn't, I'd very much like to meet them. Nobody is perfect and nobody ever will be."
