Klopp hits out over Matip eligibility

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp expressed his frustration that FIFA has failed to make a swift decision about the eligibility of defender Joel Matip.

Matip withdrew himself from consideration for future selection for Cameroon's national team in September 2015, but his country tried to call him up for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Although Cameroon finalised their squad for the tournament more than a week ago, without Matip in it, Liverpool says the Cameroon Football Federation has failed to confirm he can play for the club during the tournament.

The Premier League team has sought clarification from FIFA about the issue, but hasn't been given a decision by world soccer's governing body and did not feel it could take the chance on playing Matip against Manchester United on Sunday.

He was therefore withdrawn from selection for a game that finished 1-1 at Old Trafford.

"We, the club, did everything we had to do to make this clear but until now we could not get the response we need to be 100 per cent sure that he can play," Klopp said.

"It's pretty difficult and pretty frustrating, to be honest ... But we cannot do more and are still waiting on the decision. We could not take the risk."

Liverpool believe Matip has followed the correct procedures and considers he should be available for selection during a busy period for the club, which is playing Premier League, FA Cup and League fixtures this month.