09 December 2023 , 05:00
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Liverpool had every reason to be cheerful heading towards the festive period before it was confirmed that Joel Matip had suffered a devastating injury.
Matip, 32, ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during last Sunday's epic 4-3 victory at home to Fulham, meaning that he could've played his final game for the Reds as his contract is due to expire in June 2024. While Liverpool will push on and attempt to win the Premier League without their dependable defender, manager Jurgen Klopp is set to assess his options ahead of the January transfer window, with a replacement centre-back who can cover for starters Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate in mind.
Here's a round-up of the latest news from Anfield, including a look at which targets Klopp will be evaluating next month.
Lacroix and Guehi emerge as targets
Wolfsburg star Maxence Lacroix and Crystal Palace stalwart Marc Guehi are among Liverpool's options to replace Joel Matip, Mirror Football understands. The Reds rate both players highly, with Lacroix crucially more attainable for around £25million.
Left-footed, the French defender is renowned in the Bundesliga for his pace and aerial presence, while Premier League fans know all about Guehi after he joined Palace in 2021 and has since become an England international. The Eagles aren't willing to sell the former Chelsea youngster in January but could be persuaded next summer when Matip, unless given a new deal, becomes a free agent.
Klopp's dream Liverpool line up as last-gasp January transfers rejected
Read the full story HERE.
Maxence Lacroix has made his name at Wolfsburg (Marcel Engelbrecht - firo sportphoto/Getty Images)
Marc Guehi has also been linked with Arsenal (Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)Get involved! Who should Liverpool to sign replace Joel Matip? Give us your pick in the comments section.
Klopp responds to Matip contract fears
Jurgen Klopp has hinted that Liverpool will indeed reward Joel Matip with a new contract, despite his ACL injury. Ahead of Saturday's trip to Crystal Palace, Klopp said of the 32-year-old: "I'm pretty sure the club will show their class, just how they should do. I'm pretty sure the club told Joel already that whatever happens so long as he is injured.
"Now we have to make decisions together with Joel, how it looks after that. That's a normal thing to do. But yes he deserves all the support from us and he will get it." Asked if that means Matip will definitely be handed a new deal, the Reds boss - who signed the German-born centre-back on a free in 2016 - admitted: "I would say so but it's not my decision in the end. I cannot sign the paper."
More from Klopp HERE.
Joel Matip's ACL injury could mark the end of his eight-year Liverpool career (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)Mac Allister offers positive injury update
Alexis Mac Allister has allayed fears that he's set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up two knocks against Sheffield United on Wednesday. The Argentine midfielder took a blow to his ankle after only five minutes at Bramall Lane, although managed to solider on for most of the 2-0 win.
Mac Allister, 24, then suffered a second blow just before the hour mark and was unable to continue. Fortunately for Reds supporters, the ex-Brighton star has taken to social media and offered a positive update. "Everything’s fine. I got a few stitches, but I’ll bounce back soon," Mac Allister wrote. "We keep going. Come on Liverpool."