Liverpool fear Andy Robertson could be out until next year with shoulder injury

Liverpool star Andy Robertson has been pictured with his right arm in a sling, adding to the fears that the defender will be out for an extended period of time.

The Scottish captain had to be substituted off after colliding with goalkeeper Unai Simon shortly before half-time in Scotland’s 2-0 defeat to Spain last Thursday.

His national team manager Steve Clarke was unable to clarify how serious the injury was, saying: ‘As always with injured players, we send them back to their club. Andy’s gone back to Liverpool. Liverpool will deal with his injury. Obviously it’s a shoulder issue and Liverpool will deal with it.’

But this latest update suggests Robertson could be sidelined for a while, with The Mirror reporting that he may not return to action until next year.

A Massive Blow for Liverpool

If true, this is a massive blow for Liverpool, with the 29-year-old one of the best left-backs in the world and a key player for Jurgen Klopp, having played every minute of their Premier League campaign so far.

The Reds are fourth in the table, three points off leaders Tottenham after eight games, and return to action on Saturday with the Merseyside derby against Everton.

Should Robertson miss the remainder of 2023, he will be absent for key games against Manchester City in November, and Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle in December.

Kostas Tsimikas Ready to Deputise

Klopp can call upon Kostas Tsimikas, who recently signed a new four-year contract with Liverpool, to deputise, though young left-back Luke Chambers, who recently made his debut for the club, has reportedly also suffered a minor injury.

Tsimikas has made 65 appearances for the Reds since moving to Anfield in 2020, but this campaign has had just four minutes of league action.

Conclusion

Andy Robertson’s injury is a huge blow for Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp. The Reds are already without Thiago Alcantara, Caoimhin Kelleher and Curtis Jones, but there is hope that Cody Gakpo and Stefan Bajcetic will be fit in time to face Everton. Kostas Tsimikas is ready to deputise for Robertson, though young left-back Luke Chambers has reportedly also suffered a minor injury.