Matip unavailable for United clash as Liverpool awaits FIFA clearance

Liverpool had no choice but to omit standout centre-back Joel Matip for Sunday's match against Manchester United amid controversy over his withdrawal from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Prior to the contest, the Reds said in a statement they have yet to receive clearance from FIFA "as to the player's eligibility." Matip refused to represent Cameroon at AFCON, but the African nation has yet to state whether he can play club football during the period of the tournament, according to Liverpool's line.

The Merseyside outfit had believed Matip already retired from international football, although it's unclear whether he has actually determined to do that.

The Reds have pressed FIFA for a quick resolution to the case. They believe he has no reason to sit out of any domestic matches for the duration of the competition.

"The club did everything we had to do to make this clear but up until now we couldn't get the response we need to be 100 percent sure he can play," Klopp told Sky Sports. "It's pretty difficult and really frustrating.

"He has been in training four or five days. He would have been in the squad 100 percent, maybe on the pitch today, so I don't think it's fair, but we cannot do more than waiting on the decision."

Before selecting his final 23-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations - which began Saturday in Gabon - Cameroon handler Hugo Broos threatened to hassle FIFA over Matip's exclusion.

"These players have put personal interest above those of the national team and the federation reserves the right to take action against the players in accordance with FIFA regulations," Broos said.

A potential sanction could carry a points deduction.

Liverpool is already without Senegal international Sadio Mane for the latest edition of this northwest rivalry. Mane's expected to miss the next month on AFCON duty, but Matip's involvement over the next few weeks is now uncertain.

Matip last played for Cameroon more than a year ago. A disagreement with the national team in 2016 led to his initial withdrawal.