Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson is set to be sidelined for approximately three months as he prepares to undergo shoulder surgery. The Scotland captain sustained the injury during a Euro 2024 qualifying defeat to Spain after a challenge with goalkeeper Unai Simon. Without surgery, Robertson could have returned to playing within four weeks, but there would have been a significant risk of re-injury. Instead, it was decided that surgery was the most sensible and responsible option, resulting in a recovery period of 10 to 12 weeks. The surgery is scheduled to take place early next week.
This means that Robertson is unlikely to play again until 2024 and will miss crucial Premier League matches against Manchester City, Manchester United, and Arsenal. Robertson, who has been ever-present in the Premier League this season, has made 275 appearances for Liverpool since his move from Hull City in 2017. This will be the longest absence of his Anfield career.
In Robertson’s absence, Greece international Kostas Tsimikas is expected to deputize at left-back, starting with the upcoming Merseyside derby. Other options for Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp in that position include youngsters Luke Chambers and Calum Scanlon. Chambers recently turned his ankle while training with the England Under-19s squad, but Scanlon has trained with Klopp’s squad this week.
Tsimikas has proven to be a capable backup to Robertson since joining Liverpool from Olympiacos in 2020. However, his chances have been limited to 18 Premier League starts. He is well-liked in the dressing room and achieved cult-hero status among fans when he scored the winning penalty in the 2022 FA Cup final shootout against Chelsea.
One concern for Klopp is that Tsimikas has lacked rhythm in his three starts in all competitions this season. He has never started more than two league games in a row, highlighting Robertson’s consistent form and fitness. The change in Robertson’s role since Liverpool switched to the 3-4-3 system has also been a topic of discussion. While it may require him to be more selective in his attacking moments, Robertson has grown in comfort and confidence. He has become a solid defender who knows when to join the attack.
On the other hand, Tsimikas thrived under Klopp’s previous 4-3-3 system, which relied on the full-backs for creativity. The 3-4-3 system doesn’t suit Tsimikas as well, as it requires more defensive responsibility and limits his freedom to venture forward. In the only Premier League game Tsimikas started since the formation switch, Liverpool conceded four goals against Southampton, although none were directly his fault.
It remains to be seen whether Tsimikas can adapt his game in the same way Robertson did. The new system demands a different approach, with the left-back often becoming the third center-back in possession. This means he can’t make forward runs as frequently as before.
In conclusion, Andy Robertson’s shoulder surgery will keep him out of action for around three months. This will be the longest absence of his Liverpool career, and he will miss crucial Premier League matches. Kostas Tsimikas is set to fill in for Robertson, but there are concerns about his ability to adapt to the team’s new system. Liverpool fans will be hoping for a swift recovery for Robertson and a seamless transition for Tsimikas in his absence.