It’s all good news around Anfield today.
Wednesday morning brought news of Philippe Coutinho’s new five-year deal with Liverpool, welcome news for all Reds fans, while Jurgen Klopp has given supporters yet another reason to smile with his teamsheet for his side’s EFL Cup semi-final second leg at home to Southampton.
Liverpool are chasing a 1-0 deficit, having suffered defeat at St. Mary’s in the first leg a fortnight ago and cannot afford to concede an away goal to Claude Puel’s men.
So it will provide many a sigh of relief for fans to see arguably Liverpool’s most reliable defender in the back four for tonight’s clash.
Joel Matip, after an injury and a lengthy dispute involving the Cameroon Football Federation, Fifa and his club, has returned to Klopp’s defence.
#LFC squad to face @SouthamptonFC in tonight's @EFLCup semi-final second leg #LIVSOU pic.twitter.com/hF3PAsKnle
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 25, 2017
Matip came on as a late substitute during Liverpool’s embarrassing home defeat to Swansea on Saturday but he will feature from the outset this evening as he lines out alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dejan Lovren and James Milner.
And this lot were certainly happy to see him back.
@LFC @SouthamptonFC @EFLCup MATIP BACK AND LALLANA PLAYING CM. WHAT IS LIFEEEE
— M.K (@ManeIikeSadio) January 25, 2017
@LFC @SouthamptonFC @EFLCup MATIP ❤❤❤
— MadMane (@ManeTheMonster) January 25, 2017
@LFC @SouthamptonFC @EFLCup MATIP ❤️❤️❤️❤️
— Josh Lawrence (@jLawrenceLFC95) January 25, 2017
@LFC @SouthamptonFC @EFLCup MATIP!!!
— Elliot Dickinson (@Dickinso1Elliot) January 25, 2017
@LFC @SouthamptonFC @EFLCup Matip is back ???
— Mignolet_Fan (@MaximumMignolet) January 25, 2017
Glad to see Matip back today! C'mon @LFC! #UpTheMightyReds #LFC #YNWA
— Michael Reeder (@ToonFanNC) January 25, 2017
Good line-up, have a feeling @DanielSturridge going to take his opportunity tonight. Great to have Matip back! Come on @LFC
— HHxines (@Harvey_Haines) January 25, 2017