Andy Robertson eases Liverpool fans’ worries by confirming his scan results ‘suggest nothing too major’ after he limped off in friendly against Athletic Bilbao… but defender reveals ‘ligament damage’ will keep him out of action for at least a few weeks
- Andy Robertson says he will ‘graft everyday’ to get back as soon as possible
- Greek defender Kostas Tsimikas could be set to replace the injured Scotland star
- Liverpool travel to Norwich in their opening Premier League game on Saturday
Andrew Robertson will miss the start of the new season after scans revealed Liverpool’s influential left-back had suffered ankle ligament damage.
Scotland’s captain was injured during Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Anfield with Basque side Athletic Club; though he was able to leave the pitch without the need for a stretcher, there were initial fears that he would be set for a prolonged absence.
Robertson underwent scans at a private hospital on Merseyside on Monday afternoon and there was relief that his right ankle will not require surgery.
Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson sustained an ankle injury against Athletic Bilbao
Jurgen Klopp will be without Robertson for their opening league game against Norwich
He does, however, need to work a protective cast and remains on crutches and there is no chance of being involved at Norwich on Saturday.
There is also a question on whether he will be fit for Anfield dates against Burnley and Chelsea, which follow the trip to Carrow Road; it also leaves him facing a race to be ready for Scotland’s World Cup qualifiers in September but Robertson has issued an upbeat appraisal of the situation.
‘Scan results suggest nothing too major but there is some ligament damage, which will need to mend,’ Robertson said on Instagram.
‘No point guessing on how long that will be other than to say I will be grafting every day so I can help the team sooner rather than later.’
Reds defender Kostas Tsimikas (right) could be set to deputise for the injured Robertson
Kostas Tsimikas, the Greece left-back, will replace Robertson and featured in their final pre-season game against Osasuna at Anfield on Monday.
He provided the assist for the first of Roberto Firmino’s two goals with a pinpoint cross and showed plenty of energy down the wing; Takumi Minamino had opened the scoring in the 14th minute and also created one for Firmino, who captained the team.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are in negotiations with Lyon over the sale of Xherdan Shaqiri. They are looking to recoup most of the £13.5million they paid Stoke in 2018 but are still some distance away from agreeing a deal; Shaqiri was left out of last night’s squad as talks continued.