Liverpool defender Joel Matip to miss the rest of the season

Liverpool defender Joel Matip is set to miss the remainder of the season due to injury.

The 28-year-old was forced off during the latter stages of the Reds’ first game back - a 0-0 draw with local rivals Everton.

And he has now confirmed that the issue has brought his campaign to a premature end.

He told the club’s official website: “This season I will be not back on the pitch but for next season, I hope I’m going to be quite early a direct help for the team.”

Liverpool travel to the Etihad Stadium on Thursday to face Manchester City, in what will be their first match since being crowned Premier League champions.

Joe Gomez is nailed on to start the match, but Jurgen Klopp could look to rest Virgil Van Dijk with the title wrapped up.

This would mean that Croatia international Dejan Lovren is given some game time.