Liverpool full-back Andrew Robertson has been withdrawn from the Scotland squad that will face Cyprus and Kazakhstan in the UEFA Euro qualifiers during the international break. It has been revealed that the Scotland skipper is carrying an injury which has also made him a doubt for Liverpool’s trip to Crystal Palace later this month (via the Daily Mirror).
In a recent interview, Robertson expressed his disappointment and said (via the Daily Mirror), “It’s a big disappointment for me. But I don’t want to pick up more injuries and ruin my season because of it.
“I’ve had to listen to the people around me when previously I would have told them to beat it. The fact my ankle has swollen up again has made it easier to miss these games.
“For the last two-and-a-half weeks I’ve not trained at all for Liverpool. I’ve trained the day before a game, missed a Champions League game other than the last 15 minutes against Genk and missed Arsenal in the League Cup.”
Robertson’s Contributions Have Been Immense Behind Liverpool’s Stellar Start To This Campaign
The recent update on Robertson’s condition will be quite worrying for anyone associated with the Merseyside club. The 25-year-old has made a magnificent start to this season after putting in several match-winning performances for the Reds over the past few months. He has scored two goals and provided four assists in 18 appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s team this term across all competitions. On the defensive end, the ex-Hull City full-back is averaging 1.7 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and 2.0 clearances per game in the English top-flight (stats via whoscored).
The fact that Robertson has not been training indicates that he risks aggravating his problem if he continues to push himself for Scotland as well. The European champions have a tough run of fixtures coming up as they will have to play at least two matches every week until the new year. Therefore, Klopp would need most of his first-team players to be in tip-top condition so that they can withstand the effects of fixture congestion in the coming weeks.
What Does The Scottish Talent Add To Klopp’s Team?
Robertson is currently playing at the top of his game and has gradually transformed himself into one of the best left-backs in world football. He is blessed with pace and power that helps him make some driving runs down the left flank. The Scottish full-back can also whip in some dangerous crosses into the opposition penalty box as evidenced by his assist against Manchester City at Anfield last weekend.
Robertson’s Niggling Injury Problem: Big Concern For The Reds?
The Glaswegian defensive ace brings a lot of energy and dynamism to the Liverpool side which makes him one of the first names on Klopp’s team sheet week in week out. Now that Robertson is carrying an injury, Klopp has every reason to be worried as he does not have a ready-made back-up for the Scottish rising star. The German head coach will be forced to play James Milner who has looked a bit shaky at times when operating as a makeshift left-back.
Hence, all the Liverpool fans around the world would be hoping for Robertson’s speedy recovery so that he can be ready in time to face the Eagles at Selhurst Park after the international break.
