Saturday, January 21, 2017

Joel Matip ruled eligible to play for Liverpool during AFCON by FIFA

Liverpool
Liverpool's Joel Matip is eligible to face Swansea this weekend

FIFA has ruled that Joel Matip is eligible to play for Liverpool during the Africa Cup of Nations and he could face Swansea on Saturday.

Liverpool had been waiting to get clarification from football's world governing body or the Cameroon Football Federation over Matip's eligibility to play and FIFA has now dismissed the case against the defender.

Jurgen Klopp said on Friday that both Matip and Liverpool were being treated unfairly by FIFA
Jurgen Klopp said on Friday that both Matip and Liverpool were being treated unfairly by FIFA

Matip has not played for Jurgen Klopp's side since the 2-2 draw __with West Ham on December 11 due to an ankle injury and then the hold-up over his eligibility.

Liverpool believed Matip had retired from international football in 2015. He was not selected in Cameroon's squad for the Africa Cup of Nations but the club were waiting on confirmation that he could play.

Klopp's side have not lost any of the 14 games Matip has started this season, though there has been no confirmation he will be included in the squad for this weekend's visit of Swansea.

Highlights as Liverpool drew 1-1   Manchester United,  out Matip in the side
Highlights as Liverpool drew 1-1 __with Manchester United, without Matip in the side

The Reds' defence is also boosted by Klopp's confirmation Nathaniel Clyne is in contention to return after missing two games through injury, while Jordan Henderson may also feature following a heel problem.