Liverpool vs Salzburg: Joel Matip ruled out injured but Reds handed Alisson Becker boost

The centre-back picked up a knock in the 1-0 win against Sheffield United last weekend

Joel Matip has been ruled out of Liverpool’s Champions League match against Salzburg after picking up a “slight knock” against Sheffield United.

The Cameroonian centre-back played the full game in the 1-0 win at Bramall Lane but will not be risked at Anfield on Wednesday night and may yet sit out the next Premier League game against Leicester.

The Reds must bounce back after defeat in their opening group stage game against Napoli, with their group wide open thanks to the emergence of Jesse Marsch’s talented side alongside the threat posed by the Italians.

“It is not a big one (for Matip) but it is big enough,” Klopp revealed. “We don’t want to take any risks.

“And we don’t have to take any risks and that’s why he will not be involved. I don’t know [if he will play vs Leicester on Saturday], we will see.”

Klopp also ruled out Xherdan Shaqiri, but had promising news on Alisson, who is close to a return to the first team and could even start against the Foxes this weekend.

“There are two opinions,” Klopp explained. ”One is Ali’s opinion and the other is the medical department.

Joel Matip picked up an injury vs Sheffield United (Getty)

“We have to wait, I think, so we have to see. Training is going really well but it was a serious injury and we don’t want to take a chance.

“Tomorrow, no chance, and then we have to see for Leicester. United game, probably 100 per cent.”