Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says he already knew that Joel Matip had opted to skip representing Cameroon at the African Cup of Nations.
The centre-back, a Cameroon international, has decided not to represent his country at the tournament, which kicks off in January. As such, he will remain available for Liverpool throughout the period, unlike his team-mate Sadio Mane, who will turn out for Senegal.
Klopp insists he was happy for Matip to make his own call on the African Cup of Nations and following a talk with the defender three weeks ago, he knew of his decision.
"We had this talk already a few weeks ago so I was not surprised", he told a press conference this afternoon.
"I was happy about this, but players have to make their these decisions for themselves", Klopp continued.
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"For Joel it is different because he has grown up in Germany.
"He decided himself and it is good for us."
Matip has quickly established himself as a key man since arriving at Liverpool in the summer following the expiration of his contract with Bundesliga outfit Schalke.
He missed Liverpool's collapse and subsequent 4-3 defeat away at Bournemouth last weekend, with his absence being pointed to by some as a reason why the Reds were less than solid at the back at Dean Court.
Matip has formed an effective partnership with Dejan Lovren in the centre of defence.
