Liverpool have announced that centre-back Joel Matip has been withdrawn from Jurgen Klopp's squad for today's Premier League game against Man Utd at Old Trafford.
The move comes following uncertainty regarding the player's international clearance.
It's more than a year since the 25-year-old played for Cameroon and the player stated back in September that he had no interest in representing the country at the moment.
However, Matip was still included in Cameroon manager Hugo Broos' 35-man preliminary squad for the African Cup of Nations which is currently taking place in Gabon.
He refused the call-up - along with others - and Cameroon subsequently threatened to take action against the player. Matip was not named in the trimmed 23-man squad for the tournament which runs until February 5th.
Liverpool Football Club can confirm Joel Matip has been withdrawn from selection for today's Premier League fixture at Manchester United as the club continues to seek clarity from FIFA as to the player's eligibility.
Matip, who was not included in Cameroon's final squad for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament, has previously communicated his withdrawal from consideration for international selection, with his last appearance for Cameroon occurring in September 2015.
The Cameroon Football Federation have failed to confirm that Matip can therefore play club football during the period of the Africa Cup of Nations. Liverpool have subsequently repeatedly sought, as a matter of urgency, clarity from FIFA in this regard. This includes assurances the player was called up for the tournament in accordance with the world governing body's regulations.
It is Liverpool's view that the player should be available for club football during the period of the competition and will continue to work for a speedy and unambiguous resolution.
Matip, who last played for Liverpool against West Ham on December 11th, recently returned to full training following an injury. He was expected to take a place in Liverpool's starting line-up against Man Utd.
Ragnar Klavan has been named in the Liverpool team instead.
