Liverpool manager confirms injury blow to key defender

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that defender Joel Matip is unavailable for the forthcoming Champions League clash against Red Bull Salzburg after picking up a knock against Sheffield United.

Speaking in a press conference, Klopp said that Matip has not suffered a major injury but it is sufficient enough to keep him out of tomorrow's European meeting against Salzburg.

“With Joel, it is not a big one but it is big enough that he is not available for tomorrow night. We don’t want to have any risks and we don’t have to take any risks and that’s why he will not be involved," he was quoted as saying by Liverpool's official website.

Meanwhile, Klopp revealed that both Xherdan Shaqiri and Alisson Becker are close to making their comebacks after their respective calf problems but they are unlikely to feature in the midweek Champions League clash.

Liverpool made a losing start to their Champions League group stage campaign as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Napoli on the road. They have the chance to get their first points when Salzburg make the Anfield trip on Wednesday night.