Blow for Liverpool as Joel Matip’s season is over due to thigh injury

Liverpool fans you have been dealt a huge blow. Centre-back Joel Matip has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a thigh injury. The 26-year old picked up the injury during Saturday's 2-1 win against Crystal Palace and afterwards he had to be assessed by medical staff. A statement on the club's official website read: "Matip was able to complete the full 90 minutes of the fixture, but afterwards medical assessment on the thigh revealed surgery is expected to be required to correct the problem. "The operation is likely to end the 26-year-old's involvement in the remainder of the 2017-18 season." Matip has made 31 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions scoring one goal. It's a massive setback for Liverpool and leaves manager Jurgen Klopp with fewer options as his side will have to play three games in a six day period between the Champions League quarter-final legs against Manchester City and the Merseyside derby against Sam Allardyce's Everton. The recent injury crisis has hit Liverpool hard as Joe Gomez is injured with a ankle injury while midfielder Emre Can is struggling with a back problem. To make matters worse Adam Lallana was also forced off on Saturday due to injury and Jurgen Klopp described it as "serious". This may lead Klopp to rotate his defenders for the upcoming games by calling on the services of Dejan Lovren  against City, while Ragnar Klavan could play against Everton at Goodison Park. However, there is some positive news for Liverpool as right-back Nathinel Clyne could make his long awaited return on Wednesday evening. The England international has been out all season due to a back injury and will give some optimism for fans who are desperate to see him return to the Liverpool starting line-up. Meanwhile Premier League leaders City are waiting to hear on the fitness of Sergio Aguero which could lead them to play Gabriel Jesus up front tomorrow at Anfield.