Joel Matip
Premier League Matip close to training

Liverpool defender Joel Matip confirmed in an interview with the club website that he is set to return to training in the next few days as he recovers from a lingering ankle injury.

"That's the plan but you never know how it will go," Matip said. "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 on a good way."

The summer signing from Schalke has missed the last month due to the ankle problem, but is targeting a return for the club's rivalry match with Liverpool next weekend.