Early season international weeks tend to be no fun for Liverpool fans. The momentum of the Premier League comes to a shuddering halt, with Kopites across the world watching international fixtures through their fingers.
Those who were watching the Scotland vs. Spain game last Thursday had their worst fears realised. Modern-day club legend Andy Robertson came off injured shortly after a clash with goalkeeper Unai Simón. The Scottish captain used his shirt as a makeshift sling to support his injured arm. The severity of his injury has not been confirmed, but a dislocation is suspected.
Thoughts turn to Saturday’s crucial derby against Everton. With Kostas Tsimikas struggling to impress in recent appearances, could Jürgen Klopp turn to youth in the form of Jarell Quansah? Or will Joe Gomez be given back the role he first played as a teenager under Brendan Rodgers?
On the latest episode of our Journo Insight show, we asked experienced LFC reporter Neil Jones to take us through Liverpool’s potential Robertson replacements.
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Neil said:
“It didn’t look good, did it? I looked a sore one. You’d rather it wasn’t a dislocation, because obviously, that brings its own complications if it’s damage to the joint. Fingers crossed it’s on the fortunate side. I’d rule him out of Everton unless there’s a miraculous turn of events.
“If it isn’t Kostas Tsimikas, then he’s got to be looking and saying, ‘What’s happening here?!’ He’s just signed a new contract, he is Andy Robertson’s backup.
“He’s not impressed – I don’t think – in the games that he’s played this season. He’s got something to prove in terms of his Premier League suitability.
“Luke Chambers is an interesting one, but probably a bit too soon for him. He is potentially a really good bridge between that left-back/centre-back position because he can play both.
“He’s a really classy kind of player, uses the ball well. You’re asking a lot to elevate him above Tsimikas at this moment in time.
“Joe Gomez makes sense – from a tactical point of view – if your whole game is built around that ‘tilt’ of the defence – having Trent as the attacking right back and having someone who stays a bit more.
“Quansah – he doesn’t look phased by much, but are you asking him a little bit too much to play him? Not just play in the Premier League, but play out of position in the Premier League?
“You’d say Gomez ahead of them, but to me, it looks like Tsimikas will play.”
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Redmen Reacts
Kostas Tsimikas has become something of a target for criticism over the last 12 months. In the summer, many were calling for him to be replaced with a left-footed centre-back option in the mould of Nathan Aké, with Liverpool taking inspiration from City in their use of a ‘hybrid’ right-back. This turn of events was not forthcoming, and a new contract was signed less than a month ago.
After a brief spell in which Tsimikas looked almost on the same level as his more decorated Scottish counterpart, he is now firmly second choice and tends to only be considered for cup matches. If Andy Robertson – who has so far played every minute in the Premier League this season – has dislocated his shoulder, he will likely be out for several weeks.
Kostas now has a chance to make a name for himself, starting with Saturday’s crunch match against Everton. If Liverpool are to go on to have a successful season, there are always players who come in and make important cameos. This is one such opportunity for the Greek Scouser.
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