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Jurgen Klopp says Joel Matip's Liverpool absence 'hard to accept'

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is still waiting for FIFA to sanction defender Joel Matip's selection despite not playing for Cameroon since September 2015

Jurgen Klopp says he would pick Joel Matip in his Liverpool team on Wednesday but for a FIFA ruling that defies "human sense".

Liverpool are currently unable to select the centre-half after Cameroon tried to include him in their Africa Cup of Nations squad.

Matip has not appeared for his country since September 2015 and insists he is a retired international, and Liverpool have asked FIFA to rule on the player's status after failing to secure Cameroon's permission to recall him to the side.

FIFA's only public comment so far has been to highlight its existing regulations, and Klopp was forced to pull Matip from his squad for Sunday's Premier League game at Manchester United rather than risk punishment.

Speaking ahead of the FA Cup third round replay against Plymouth Argyle at Home Park, he said: "FIFA told us that this Friday they will decide if they open a case on it or not. I accept rules in life but I think they should always be based on human senses. For me, not a lawyer or a legal person, it is pretty difficult.

"If he had not been injured - but he was - then he couldn't have played from January 2. If FIFA opens a case - and I don't know but I don't think they will because we are sure everything is all right - then it would be 7-10 days until we get a decision.

Joel Matip during the International Friendly match between Germany and Cameroon at Borussia Park Stadium on June 1, 2014 in Moenchengladbach, Germany
Image: Matip has not appeared for Cameroon since September 2015

"He isn’t happy. I told him before the United game that I can’t pick him. We have to wait for a fit player who wasn’t playing for Cameroon for 15-16 months. It is difficult to accept.

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"In this moment, we are sure we did nothing wrong. We are sure Joel Matip did nothing wrong. He didn't play for Cameroon since 2015. Since he has been here he has not been a Cameroon national player.

"In this moment he is not in the squad of Cameroon, so he cannot play for them, but in this moment we have not a 100 per cent guarantee he could play for us. That is the situation.

Joel Matip of Liverpool
Image: Matip was pulled from Liverpool's squad for the Manchester United game

"I would consider lining him up tomorrow but I don't know if I can. From the sports side it would make sense - perfect game for him, but I am not sure if I can."

Klopp selected the youngest side in Liverpool's history for the 0-0 draw with Plymouth at Anfield, and the manager confirmed teenager Harry Wilson could be the latest debutant this week.

Loris Karius will start in goal, but Nathaniel Clyne will not return before the weekend and Lucas is a doubt with a swollen knee.

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