Joel Matip and Alcantara Missing in Liverpool's Squad For Ajax Clash

Joel Matip and Alcantara Missing in Liverpool's Squad For Ajax Clash

Oluwatomiwa Babalola
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:48 PM

- Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara will not take part in Liverpool's Champions League clash vs Ajax

- Both are being rested for their Premier League fixture against Sheffield United

- Klopp will also not rush Alisson Becker back into the team despite making commendable improvement

PAY ATTENTION: Win a prize of N115,000, N75000 or N38000: participate in Big Naija Independence contest by Legit.ng

Liverpool duo Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara have been dropped from the squad that will face Ajax in their Champions League opener.

The Reds boss wants to manage his squad after losing Virgil van Dijk to injury after colliding with Jordan Pickford during their 2-2 draw against Everton at the Goodison Park over the weekend.

Although Thiago played his first full match for the Reds since his £20 million from Bayern Munich earlier this summer, he also had concerns after the game.

And reports claim his manager, Jurgen Klopp is not ready to take chances on his player's fitness for the game as they still have crucial games ahead of them.

PAY ATTENTION: Click “See First” under the “Following” tab to see Legit.ng News on your Facebook News Feed!

Daily Mail reports that Fabinho might be fielded beside Joe Gomez in the centre-back position since Joel Matip will not be available for this encounter.

Joel Matip, Alcantara left out of Liverpool squad for Ajax's Champions League encounter
Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantaraþraining with Liverpool teammates ahead of their Champions League fixture vs Ajax. Photo by John Powell.
Source: Getty Images

The publication claims Klopp wants to keep Matip for his side's home game against Sheffield United this weekend. That will give him enough time to rest after the gruelling Merseyside derby.

Meanwhile, the German-born tactician might give Naby Keita the nod against Ajax having trained with his colleagues earlier this week.

PAY ATTENTION: Become a member of the leading sports Facebook group 'Naija Football Fan Zone'

Also, Alisson Becker is also making commendable progress but the manager is not willing to risk his fitness for the Champions League meeting.

Klopp gave an assessment of his players while speaking to the club website ahead of their midweek European outing.

"'Ali looks very good. We have to see; catching balls and stuff like this is all possible. But we cannot rush it and will not rush it.
"Actually, it's a common thing every day when I see Ali, I say: 'How was it today?' He always with a big smile tells me of the slight improvements. Today I didn't see him [yet], so I can't wait to ask for his progress!"

Liverpool will be hoping to get their continental campaign off to a winning start in the Netherlands on Wednesday, October 21.

Legit.ng earlier reported that Jordan Pickford will not be punished following the incident that saw Virgil van Dijk damage his cruciate ligament during Everton vs Liverpool Premier League clash which ended 2-2 on Saturday, October 17, according to BBC Sports.

The English FA has stated that there won’t be further review of the incident as it has been determined following a consultation with the match officials.

The Liverpool defender and the Everton goalkeeper were caught in the web clashing in the danger area during the first half of the game as Van Dijk was forced off.

We haven't gotten the houses FG promised us in 1994 - Siasia raises alarm | Legit TV

Authors
Oluwatomiwa Babalola photo
Oluwatomiwa Babalola
Tags
World