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Liverpool defender Joel Matip free to return to action after Cameroon Africa Cup of Nations row

Joel Matip is free to resume his Liverpool career after FIFA dismissed the case against the Cameroon defender.

Liverpool had been left perplexed by a row that erupted following Cameroon's decision to name him in their squad for the Africa Cup of Nations even though he retired from international duty in September 2015.

Cameroon argued that he should not be allowed to play for Liverpool while the tournament in Gabon was on going and that meant Matip could have potentially been sidelined until the middle of February.

Liverpool have been given a boost by the availability of star defender Joel Matip
Liverpool have been given a boost by the availability of star defender Joel Matip
Matip travelled with the Liverpool squad ahead of their clash with Swansea this weekend
Matip travelled with the Liverpool squad ahead of their clash with Swansea this weekend
Cameroon were expecting Matip to turn out for them at the Africa Cup of Nations
Cameroon were expecting Matip to turn out for them at the Africa Cup of Nations

Liverpool were adamant neither they nor the 25-year-old had done anything wrong and Jurgen Klopp wanted to select him for Wednesday night's FA Cup replay in Plymouth but, after taking legal advice, he decided against it.