Liverpool news: Joel Matip turns down international duty to skip Africa Cup of Nations

The decision will come as a major boost for Jurgen Klopp as the side approach a crucial stage of the Premier League campaign

Joel Matip joined Liverpool from Schalke at the start of the year (Getty)

Liverpool defender Joel Matip has turned the opportunity to star for Cameroon in next month’ Africa Cup of Nations.

The decision will come as a major boost for the side as they approach a crucial stage of the Premier League campaign.

Matip has not played for his country since 2015 after criticising the set-up within the national side. Cameroon boss Hugo Broos held talks with the player in a bid to convince him to travel to Gabon for January’s tournament but Matip’s stance remains unchanged.

The defender took full part in training this week after missing the Reds’ 4-3 defeat at Bournemouth with an ankle problem.

Matip, who moved to Anfield at the start of the year on a free transfer, is expected to return to Jurgen Klopp’s side for Sunday’s Premier League clash with West Ham.

Liverpool are set to lose Sadio Mane to the Africa Cup of Nations, however.

The player will join up with the Senegal squad and will be absent from mid-January to the start of February.