Joel Matip has left Liverpool's pre-season tour of the USA to get treatment for a leg injury, the club confirmed on Monday night.
The centre back went off during the first half of Liverpool's 3-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund, with the Reds confirming that he would not be fit enough to play in the remaining two games of the tour.
Liverpool insist that Matip's injury is not serious enough to rule him out for the long term, but he will get treatment at their Melwood training base on his return to England.
A statement on the Liverpool website read: 'Joel Matip will leave Liverpool's pre-season tour of the United States to undergo rehabilitation on the muscle injury he sustained against Borussia Dortmund on Sunday.
'The defender picked up the issue midway through the first half of the International Champions Cup fixture and was immediately substituted.
'Though the muscle injury suffered in his upper leg is not considered to be a long-term concern, Matip will not be available for selection in the remaining two games in America. He is therefore returning to Merseyside and will continue his recovery at Melwood.'
The 26-year-old Cameroon international – who was ruled out of the Champions League final after damaging his thigh on March 31 at Crystal Palace – limped off after 22 minutes of the Dortmund game in Charlotte.
At the time his manager Jurgen Klopp said the injury was a 'small tear', and Matip did not require crutches as he left the stadium later.
Klopp had Matip lined up to partner Virgil van Dijk in the Premier League opener against West Ham on August 12, as Dejan Lovren is not due back from his post-World Cup holiday until August 6.
Matip will be unavailable for Liverpool's forthcoming friendlies against Manchester City on Thursday in New Jersey, or against Manchester United on Saturday in Michigan.
wombcnpy
0
with or without Matip, get Alderweird or Vida. Matip's a nice gentleman but you dnt need gentlemen in football. Replace him quick before window shuts. More so considering that Lovren is another unreliable one.
Wokailmoru
0
he should be sold cause he is injury prone
namadiorsy
0
why the hell is this guy in the team if h he is injured all the time..... moreover he is worth at all..
U.S.A8714553
0
Mr klopp start looking for a centre back Matip is injury prone and slow
zukbopuy
1
He’s turning out to be a disappointment.
kiknptu
0
things should be done in time. we don't have to be hoping on him again. he has failed us in times of need.
yuoelmnosy
0
Liverpool should look for Vidal Croatia defender. perfect replacement for him. klop don't wast my time don't allow him to get you confused. he is weak.
vida not worth ...would prefer Godin
kiknptu
1
Liverpool should look for Vidal Croatia defender. perfect replacement for him. klop don't wast my time don't allow him to get you confused. he is weak.
kiknptu
1
it's the right time for Liverpool to start to look forward for a replacement because he's an injury player. the management should be serious now before the window is close.
Hipbdkosz
0
always on injury.....
Leebcilpr
0
Sorry,,,but this man is too weak. See his physique,,very unpleasant. Don't you go to gym. Man I have never seen an African weak like you.
Jutadopsuy
1
give gomez a shot
pompoe
1
This guy is more hurt than Wilshere
yukon
1
Seems like a good player but just can't get a go long enough with these constant injuries
knackereda
1
get well soon! again! and again!
LoveFCB
0
The new sturridge
beansmin
0
GOOD. Now go buy Gary Cahill Jurgen.
lopegood
0
Injured again?!!
isolationh
0
Gomez is better anyway
Eugener
0
It's there year NOT
Yamahafor
1
Is Matip related to Sturridge ?
Hellsing
0
Still need to strengthen at the back. Cover for places is weak. Still we get linked to more attacking players
basicallye
0
As long as VVD and Lovren stay fit we will be fine. 2 of the best CB in the world, if not the 2 best. Let¿s not forgot Man Utd have won yet this season. YNWA.
amicablea
0
Sad news but he never seems to be able to get fit and put back run of games together
ukulele
0
It's his year. Sorry, tear.
lodging
0
Feel for the guy, but doesn't seem strong enough for the rigours of the English game. Go get Tarkowski from Burnley. £25-30 million, strong, very few mistakes and consistent.
languid
0
If this guy can sort out his injuries we'd have a hell of a partnership with vvd. Also how good is van djik one of the best ball playing defenders around worth every penny imo.
Hesslertown
0
Injury prone perhaps?!! Need to go buy another CB, one with quality.. Boateng from Bayern would be perfect.
Savannah
0
Go get McGuire please!
runaway
0
Liverpool are already getting injuries
Bertrams
0
Great defender if he can stay fit. Unfortunately it seems to be a big if.
Jackeven
0
I remember Liverpool fans telling us how good this lad is. Maybe this year is his year...
starryen
0
Play Gomez instead. He's the future. Not this bloke
oscillate
0
He's another Can, far to casual and thinks he's far better than he is. Never acknowledges fans home and away and first down the tunnel win, lose or draw. Could we win the league with him in the side? Me thinks not.
Polaroider
0
Please god noooooooooo......
Mageecolun
0
Matip is worth his transfer fee and his sellery. solid Player and sometimes more. good back up for lovren or van dijk. not more & not less.
ooplm199
1
He was ahead of Lovren. But Lovren improves and is now better than Matip.
boosters
1
Liverpool still need 1 at the back and 1 infront.
Jerry53
1
Hopefully its not a serious injury but with Clyne back to fitness to cover right back it might give Gomez a chance to show what he can do centrally. I think Fabinho can play at the back too.
untillove
0
One of the worst player in premier league