Back to the Liverpool Newsfeed

Liverpool could lose defender Joel Matip for a month as dispute with Cameroon over withdrawal from AFCON rumbles on

Liverpool could be without Joel Matip for the next month as the row over the defender's availability rumbles on.

The centre-back, who has not played for Cameroon since September 2015, was withdrawn from selection by the club for Sunday's 1-1 draw at Manchester United as FIFA failed to provide the necessary guidance on the player's eligibility.

Despite Matip telling his national association that he does not want to be considered for selection they still made attempts to call him up for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Liverpool could be without Joel Matip for the next month due to a row over his availability
Liverpool could be without Joel Matip for the next month due to a row over his availability
Matipu00a0was withdrawn from selection by the club for Sunday's 1-1 draw at Manchester United
Matip was withdrawn from selection by the club for Sunday's 1-1 draw at Manchester United
Cameroon wanted to call up Matip for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon
Cameroon wanted to call up Matip for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon

With no likelihood of an agreement being reached with Cameroon, Liverpool asked FIFA specifically to clarify the status of a player who has no desire or intention to represent his country.