Matip won't rush Liverpool comeback
A return to first-team action may have to wait for Liverpool's Joel Matip, who wants to ensure he recovers from an ankle injury properly.
Liverpool defender Joel Matip hopes to resume full training in a matter of days, though he is putting no date on his comeback.
Matip has been sidelined with an ankle ligament injury since featuring in a 2-2 draw with West Ham on December 11.
The 25-year-old is eager to return to training with his team-mates, but is adamant he will not rush his recovery.
"[It's] getting better and in a few days I hope I'll be back in full training," the defender told Liverpoolfc.com.
"That's the plan but you never know how it will go. We are really positive and hope that this chapter is closed.
"It was my left ankle, a ligament was damaged. At the beginning it needed rest but after this I wanted to play too early.
"Three or four weeks before the West Ham game was the first time I really felt it and I still wanted to play a little bit too early. But now, I'm in a good way.
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"I want to be fit and get on my way and be back but I don't have a target to be in the squad.
"I want to be fitter and then the other things will come."
Liverpool face Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup third round on Sunday, and Jurgen Klopp confirmed neither Matip nor Philippe Coutinho will be fit to feature.
"Both are in a good way, but not for this weekend," said Klopp.