Liverpool have been given a boost in their title challenge with Joel Matip set to turn down the chance of playing with Cameroon at next year’s Africa Cup of Nations, reports The Liverpool Echo.
Matip joined Liverpool from Schalke on a free during the summer and has been a rock for Jurgen Klopp’s side at the back despite the fact the continue to concede goals.
The 25-year-old was expected to feature for Cameroon in January’s Africa Cup of Nations, which would have ruled the Liverpool defender out of action for almost a month of the season, however he has declined the chance to represent his country to focus on Liverpool’s title challenge.
Matip’s decision comes as no real shock having not played for Cameroon since 2015 but the announcement will certainly go down well with Klopp, who will need his best defender in the new year as Liverpool look to keep pace with their title rivals.
Of Liverpool players to have featured in at least five Premier League games this season only two have a better pass success rate than Matip (87.3%).
For more stats on Joel Matip, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
