Liverpool assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders give a massive injury boost as Andy Robertson returns from his long-term shoulder injury.
Liverpool assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders provided a positive injury boost as Andy Robertson trained with the senior team. A shoulder injury sidelined the Scotsman since October’s international break, causing him to miss three months of action.
Robertson suffered the shoulder injury during Scotland’s 2-0 loss to Spain at the Euro 2024 qualifiers in October. Kostas Tsimikas filled the void left by Robertson until he suffered a collarbone fracture against Arsenal in December.
Without any specialist left-back, the Reds manager Jurgen Klopp deployed versatile defender Joe Gomez at the left-back position. Gomez has delivered consistent and top-class performances at the make-shift position, helping Liverpool through the tricky period.
The Reds are currently at the top of the Premier League table and progressed successfully in every cup competition. Despite the injury crisis and players missing due to international duties, Klopp’s team continued their healthy form.
Robertson’s return provides a major boost to Liverpool, strengthening the squad amidst injury challenges and enhancing defensive options. Furthermore, the 29-year-old is a prominent figure in the locker room and one of the leaders with a huge influence.
Lijnders told Liverpoolfc.com that Robertson has returned from his injury and will travel with the squad for the Fulham game. He said:
“He [Robertson] trained yesterday with the team. It’s now 13 weeks, he had his meeting with the surgeon to make sure that everything is right to go into full contact – it’s clear. So he did a lot of work and really good rehab throughout the last period, so he’s fit in terms of sports science. Now he has to get fit with proper team training. So that’s a big, big advantage to have him back. We were waiting for a long time – he’s one of our captains. I just met him in the canteen and he said, ‘Pep, I have my tracksuit with me!’ So he’s pushing himself into the squad, so that’s good. He will travel [to Fulham].”
Pep Lijnders has provided injury updates on Andy Robertson, Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kostas Tsimikas:
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 23, 2024
Robertson has made eight appearances in all competitions, contributing with one goal so far this season. The 29-year-old has tough competition once he returns as Gomez deserves to continue playing the role, given his form.
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Nevertheless, the mere presence of Scotland’s captain in the upcoming second leg of the Carabao Cup against Fulham is important. Liverpool are still facing a congested schedule given their grand ambition of fighting for every trophy. Robertson has a crucial role to play as Klopp would deploy more rotation and varieties of tactics.
