Liverpool star praises Anfield crowd for reception after return from injury
Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson thanked the fans for their reception after returning to action from his long-term injury on Sunday. Robertson sustained a shoulder injury during the October international break when Scotland lost to Spain in the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
During the game, the 29-year-old collided with Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon and left the pitch while wearing a makeshift sling. He required surgery that has kept him away from the football pitch until the FA Cup tie against Norwich City.
Liverpool beat Norwich 5-2 in the FA Cup fourth round to progress into the next round of the competition. The Reds manager Jurgen Klopp substituted Robertson for Joe Gomez during the 55th minute of the game.
Klopp lost Kostas Tsimikas due to a collarbone fracture during December’s Premier League fixture against Arsenal. Without specialist left-backs Robertson and Tsimikas, the Reds boss deployed Gomez in the makeshift left-back role.
The 26-year-old delivered fantastic and consistent performances in the absence of both specialist senior team left-backs. The return of Robertson eases the pressure on Gomez and provides him a much-needed rest after regular appearances.
Speaking to ITV post-match (h/t Liverpoolfc.com), Robertson expressed his gratitude for the fans’ reception and conveyed his delight at returning to the pitch. He said:
“The reception that I got will stay with me for a long time. I can’t thank the crowd enough for that. That’s what kind of got me through the tough times. There’s been a lot of them over the last four months and I’m just delighted to be back on the pitch now.”
Liverpool are currently at the top of the Premier League table and they have progressed in every cup competition. The Reds are taking every trophy seriously and that increases the number of fixtures that they must play this season.
Robertson‘s return is crucial as the specialist left-back as well as one of the leaders in the dressing room. The 29-year-old returned alongside injured Dominik Szoboszlai and Trent Alexander-Arnold, providing a massive boost for the campaign ahead.
Nevertheless, the Scotland captain faces tough competition after the level of consistent performance delivered by Gomez. Gomez has maintained his claim in the starting role though he could play at any position in the defence.
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