Jurgen Klopp’s temporary defensive issues seem to be further on the way to being solved after Joel Matip returned to his starting lineup ahead of this afternoon’s Premier League game against Crystal Palace at Anfield.
With Joe Gomez, Dejan Lovren and Matip all having been on the sidelines in recent weeks, the Brazilian midfielder Fabinho had been filling in beside Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the defence.
But the return of Matip to the fold from injury, after he made a showing from the bench away to Brighton last time, will allow the Brazilian to return the midfield berth in which he’s thrived since his integration into the Reds' squad.
It should prove the wisdom of Jurgen Klopp’s decision to refuse to panic-buy any defensive cover while things were looking thin on the ground in that department.
His focus, instead, has been on nailing down on the existing members of his defence on long-term contracts. Both the left-back Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold have agreed on long-term deals this week, meaning the future of the stingy Liverpool rearguard looks good.
Klopp was full of praise for the pair during the week, but had one request of the Anfield faithful ahead of this afternoon’s latest crucial encounter for the league leaders.
“Liverpool supporters love Trent as ‘one of their own’, although I have noticed he doesn’t have a song from the fans yet, so maybe that is something they can work on. Wow, does he deserve one," he said.
⬅️ Trent, Gini & Shaqiri
🔴 Three changes for the Reds. Our line-up to face @CPFC...