Liverpool’s Joel Matip returns to training

In an update that will warm the hearts of many Liverpool fans, veteran centre-back Joel Matip has taken another significant step forward in his recovery from a long-term ACL injury.

Matip’s journey to recovery has been closely watched by fans since he required surgery following Liverpool’s 4-3 win over Fulham at the start of December.

The centre-back was initially expected to miss the rest of the season, but manager Jurgen Klopp revealed at the end of March that Matip had started running on the outdoor pitches of the AXA Training Center for the first time since the setback.

Now, in a positive development, Matip was seen working with a ball again during training on Friday, although not as part of the main group.

Matip’s final weeks as a Liverpool player

However, the Cameroonian now faces a race against time to see if he will wear a red shirt again. With his contract coming to an end and only two games of the season left to play, the likelihood of his next game being for Liverpool remains slim.

While Klopp expressed his desire for the club to extend Matip’s contract shortly after the injury, this summer’s managerial transition has clouded the situation for the 32-year-old.

The decision on Matip’s future is likely to be revealed after Liverpool’s final game against Wolves on May 19, alongside the list of released players, which may include other notable names such as Thiago Alcantara and Mateusz Musialowski.

New centre-backs a priority for Liverpool this summer

Amid uncertainty over his contract, Liverpool have been linked with several centre-back options ahead of the summer, including Eintracht Frankfurt’s Willian Pacho and Sporting CP’s Goncalo Inacio, plus Feyenoord’s versatile operators Lutsharel Geertruida and Mats Wieffer.

In addition, negotiations for a new deal for captain Virgil van Dijk are expected to begin.

If Matip leaves after eight illustrious years at Anfield, he will forever be a cult hero.

Despite injuries, Matip made 201 appearances for Liverpool, winning every possible trophy and establishing himself as one of the best free transfers in the Premier League.