Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed that FIFA will make a decision over the eligibility of Joel Matip on Friday.
Matip is currently at the centre of a club vs. country row having refused to play for Cameroon during the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations despite being included in the preliminary squad.
FIFA rules dictate that the defender is unable to play for Liverpool without his country's consent until the end of Cameroon's involvement in the tournament, but the Reds have argued that Matip considers himself retired from international duty having not played for his country since September 2015.
Reports had speculated that Liverpool were considering risking punishment by playing Matip during Wednesday's FA Cup tie with Plymouth Argyle, but they now look set to wait for FIFA's ruling at the end of the week.
"I would consider him in the lineup for tomorrow, but I don't know if I can. Joel is not happy about the situation. I told him before the United game 'sorry, I can't pick you'," Klopp told reporters.
"We are sure we did nothing wrong. We are sure Joel Matip did nothing wrong. Since he has been here he has not been a Cameroon player.
"FIFA have told us they will decide on Friday if they open a case or not."
Should world football's governing body rule in favour of Cameroon then Matip could miss as many as six more Liverpool matches.
Barney Corkhill
