All signs continue to point to Liverpool having Joel Matip available again for the huge Premier League clash with Manchester United.
The old rivals – currently sitting first and second in the Premier League – will meet at Anfield on January 17, with Liverpool's recent poor form allowing United to gain ground in the title race.
The champions have picked up just two points from the nine on offer in matches against West Brom, Newcastle and Southampton either side of the turn of the year, with Monday's 1-0 defeat at St Mary's just their second defeat in the Premier League this season.
Jurgen Klopp fielded Jordan Henderson alongside Fabinho in defence in that game, and although the Brazilian has come to get used to life at the back this season, it was obvious that the pair were missed in the middle of the pitch as the Reds were overrun.
With the Reds boss set to make changes for the FA Cup third round tie at Aston Villa on Friday, Klopp will be desperate to see Matip available again for the United game.
The good news for the Reds boss is that the defender will be back if he remains on schedule with his injury.
Matip's suffered an adductor strain in the draw with West Brom on December 27, with Klopp saying after the match that: "“The normal stuff with these kind of injuries, [he will be out for] around about three weeks.”
Should that three week time frame be adhered too then he could return for the United game on January 17, with a separate report from The Athletic suggests that Matip is still on track to return as planned.
Liverpool have so far remained tight-lipped on any potential defensive signings in the January transfer window, with Matip's long-term fitness often not being able to be relied upon.
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