Liverpool overcame a major injury problem when Andy Robertson suffered a shoulder injury in international captaincy for Scotland.
The Reds left-back collided with Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon shortly before half-time in the European Championship qualifier on Thursday night.
Robertson jumped on the ball inside the box as Simon dropped the ball, then landed directly on Robertson’s shoulder.
The 29-year-old left the field with what appears to be a serious hand injury.
Now the extent of the damage has to be nervously ascertained, hoping it’s not a dislocated shoulder – because that would probably mean the end of any playing time this side of Christmas. With Robertson out for an extended period of time, Liverpool will find out just how strong a backup Kostas Tsimikas is.
Liverpool considered signing a left-sided centre-back to compete with Robertson in the summer, but decided against it and focused all their attention on new central defensive signings.
Instead, Tsimikas only received a new contract last month. However, the Greek is far from an ideal replacement for the hybrid rear three system.
Robertson is one of the most used players for both club and country, starting 44 games last season. He has played every minute of Liverpool’s Premier League campaign this season and all 90 minutes in Scotland’s last seven games.
Robertson was last injured a year ago when knee problems forced him to miss four games for Liverpool.
Scotland manager Steve Clarke said after the game: “He will go back to his club and he will be appreciated.
“Obviously he injured his shoulder. We’ll see how the situation is, how it works and hopefully he’ll be good for the club as soon as possible and ready to help us in November.
