This is the Liverpool XI that can catch Premier League leaders Chelsea

Joel Matip

Cameroon international Joel Matip made a fine start to life in England earlier this season, having signed from Schalke last summer.

The 25-year-old seamlessly slotted into the Reds’ backline and was one of their most consistent performers in the early stages of the campaign, as he began to develop a solid partnership with Lovren.

However, an ankle injury thwarted his progress over the festive period, as he appeared just once in December, and didn’t return to the team until January 21 as a substitute in their 3-2 defeat to Swansea.

Nonetheless, Matip has started their last two Premier League games and, although he hasn’t quite been as solid and dependable as before, he’s an integral part of the back four, and one they need to keep fit between now and May if they are going to catch Chelsea.