Joel Matip is set to give Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool a timely boost as he eyes a return to action over the Christmas period.

Matip has been sidelined with a thigh injury and has not featured in the last three fixtures for the Reds.

The Liverpool Echo report that the 26-year-old is not set to play a part against West Brom on Wednesday or Bournemouth on Sunday, but Manager Klopp has admitted his player is ahead of schedule.

Klopp said, "It could be possible that Joel will be back for some of our Christmas games,"

Joel Matip of Liverpool competes with Eden Hazard (
Image:
Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Stoke City's Peter Crouch in action with Liverpool's Joel Matip (
Image:
Action Images via Reuters)

“I really hope so but it’s not for sure at this stage. The fact he’s running again outside is a good sign. If nothing else happens then he will be close.”

In Matip’s absence, Klopp’s only fit senior centre-backs are Dejan Lovren and Ragnar Klavan. Joe Gomez is also an option there but he’s played most of his football this season at right-back.

Klopp insists captain Jordan Henderson is available to face West Brom - despite being on the receiving end of some poor challenges in the derby. However, striker Daniel Sturridge, who missed the game against Everton due to a tight hamstring, remains a doubt.

“Daniel didn’t train, it’s only a very minor thing. We will see if he’s involved,” he added.