Klopp explains Matip situation ahead of FA Cup clash

Joe Williams
Joel Matip: Set to return

Joel Matip: Set to return

Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Liverpool will find out this Friday if FIFA will open a case against Joel Matip.

Matip, who retired from international football in 2015, was still called up for the Cameroon squad to play at the African Cup of Nations which started this month.

The Reds defender has refused to play for his country and, as it stands, Klopp has to do without the defender until the end of the tournament in a month’s time.

Liverpool, who play Plymouth in an FA Cup replay on Wednesday, left Matip out against Manchester United on Sunday and are still waiting for FIFA to give them the green light to play the centre-back.

Klopp doesn’t think Matip has done anything wrong and has revealed FIFA are set to make a decision on Friday.

“There was not a lot of times in my life that I was in a situation like this,” Klopp explained. “The thing is, I think, actually, that I really have to try, and it’s important, I don’t want to blame anyone, but our supporters deserve to know about the process we are in.

“The thing is that in this moment, we are sure we don’t nothing wrong. Joel Matip did nothing wrong.

“He did not play for Cameroon since 2015. In this moment he is not in the squad, but we have not 100 percent guarantee that he could play for us.

“In the last few days it was getting more and more busy for all departments involved at LFC. The procedure, I’d consider to line him up tomorrow, but I’m not sure I can.

“FIFA told us on Friday, this Friday, they will decide if they open a case or not.

“I accept rules in life, but I think they are based on human senses. For me it is pretty difficult.

“If FIFA opens a case, and I don’t think they will, then it would be between seven and 10 days, in our situation that would have meant United involved, Plymouth involved, Swansea involved. If the result is what we think it would be, and everything is okay, then he didn’t play eight games without doing anything wrong.

“As a human being it’s hard for me.”