Liverpool have confirmed that Joel Matip has now undergone successful surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament injury. The 32-year-old was substituted in the Reds’ 4-3 win over Fulham earlier this month, with Jurgen Klopp later confirming his centre back had ruptured his ACL. However, the defender is already on the long road to recovery, with Liverpool posting an update regarding his completed surgery. “A successful operation has now been completed and Matip will continue his rehabilitation programme at the AXA Training Centre,” a statement on Liverpoolfc.com reads. “No time scale is currently being placed on his recovery.”Matip – who had made 14 appearances in all competitions this season and is one of the Reds’ longest-serving first-team players – is in the final year of his contract, with many fearing he has already played his final game for Liverpool.
However, Klopp recently suggested that there is a chance the former Schalke star could yet be given an extension despite his serious injury. Ahead of the Reds’ win over Crystal Palace, Klopp told reporters: “I’m pretty sure the club will show their class, as you should do it. “I’m pretty sure the club told Joel already that, whatever happens, as long as he is injured everything is fine. “Now we have to make the decision with Joel how it looks after that. That’s a normal thing to do but he deserves all the support from us and he will get it. “I would say so [there’s a chance of a new deal], but it’s not my decision in the end. I cannot sign the papers.”
The injury likely rules Matip out for the remainder of the 2023/24 season – a significant blow for both player and club.
