Liverpool defender Joel Matip is set for his first appearance since March as he joins pre-season preparations for Saturday’s friendly against Bury.
With Dejan Lovren involved in the World Cup final with Croatia there is likely to be a spot up for grabs to start the Premier League campaign alongside Virgil van Dijk in the centre of defence.
Joe Gomez and Ragnar Klavan already have already made two 45-minute friendly appearances so Matip is playing catch-up as he is a week behind in training after recovering from a thigh injury which prematurely ended his season.
“If the manager decides [I can play] I would be happy. I think I am ready,” he told Liverpool’s official website. Of course I am in full training but I think to get the real full fitness everybody needs a bit longer, me especially after a long injury, but we are all on a good way and me as well. You need this time on the pitch to be ready… I’m looking forward to these pre-season games, to get fit and get back to a good level.”