Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has welcomed the return of defender Joel Matip to the squad to face Everton on Monday, with a late fitness test due, but suggests he may not be risked after an ankle knock.
The former Schalke defender missed the Reds' surprise 4-3 loss to Bournemouth last time out in the league away from home, and could return for the club's merseyside derby clash at Goodison Park should he pass a late fitness test.
However, according to theMirror, Klopp has insisted that despite the return of a calming presence in Matip beingwelcomed to his side, who have conceded six goals in their last two, games, the ex-Bundesliga star may not be risked in such a high intensity game, with Ragnar Klavan likely to take his place.
Speaking on the fitness of his summer signing, Klopp said: "We haven't made a decision. Painful ankle. We have to see whether to try him for Everton or give him few more days."
Klopp on Matip: "We haven't made a decision. Painful ankle. We have to see whether to try him for Everton or give him few more days."
In other team news for the Reds, Simon Mignolet will be brought back into the side after a a nervy time from summer signing Loris Karius in between the sticks, but Klopp suggested that it is merely a case of bringing his new number one out of the spotlight after a few mistakes.
"I am responsible for the boys," Klopp continued.
"Sometimes it's my job to take them out of the firing line or public view. I decided for a player, not against another one.�