It appears that Liverpool will have to do without Andy Robertson for a while. Jürgen Klopp has previously played around with a potential fix.
While the precise length of Andy Robertson’s Liverpool absence is yet unknown, a few things are certain. He will be greatly missed, but if Jürgen Klopp so chooses, he also has an easy fix.
Kostas Tsimikas was brought to Liverpool specifically for situations like these; the Greek has made a name for himself at Anfield as a capable Robertson replacement. He only signed a new long-term contract just last month, which was another show of confidence on Klopp’s part.
Given the substantial changes in Liverpool’s tactical structure since Tsimikas first joined, that transaction was especially significant. By approving an extension, Klopp was probably expressing his confidence in Robertson’s ability to fulfil the “hybrid” role that is currently required of him, which requires both tucking in and bombing forward.
Though it may be the initial course of action, Tsimikas is yet essentially untested in that capacity. He has occasionally filled in for Robertson on the international stage as a third center-back to make up for a surplus of quality at left-back, but that is about it.
In fact, Klopp himself has implied that Tsimikas’ greatest assets are his attacking propensities. The Liverpool manager virtually inverted his entire team’s structure for 45 minutes against Karlsruher during the preseason by having the Greek play the Trent Alexander-Arnold position on the left as Joe Gomez held down the right fort.
That may have been an admission of Gomez’s limited offensive repertoire, and Tsimikas had a decidedly mixed performance. But while Robertson is out, it does offer an intriguing alternative.
The fact that Alexander-Arnold will still be on the pitch is obviously an objection. They cannot both flip, nor is it probable that the Academy graduate will be given a smaller position in order to maximise Tsimikas’ potential. Klopp’s second preseason trial, however, might have the solution.
Nobody anticipated that Fabinho or Jordan Henderson would leave at the beginning of the transfer window. However, neither player played at all throughout preseason, leaving Klopp without a natural number six for the whole schedule of exhibition games.
Alexander-Arnold played as the defensive midfielder for the first few games before Curtis Jones eventually adapted to the position. Neither did he perform poorly, and Conor Bradley’s injury was likely a factor in the decision to replace Klopp.
Alexander-Arnold might be moved back there to enable a return to the formation used in the second half of the game against Karlsruher, with Tsimikas switching to the left and Gomez positioned between a third center-back and a right-back. There is a case to be made that, although it would be a risky solution with more moving pieces than necessary, it best utilises the skills of the players that are already on hand.
Even removing Alexis Mac Allister from the base of the midfield would have a positive side effect. His difficulties have undoubtedly been exaggerated in the wake of a difficult return to Brighton, but he is still more of a number eight by trade, and this could allow him to advance — even as he enters a fiercely competitive field with Dominik Szobozlai, Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch, and Harvey Elliott.
The extent of Robertson’s injuries will play a significant role. Tsimikas should be able to step right into the Scot’s position for a few games if the situation is not as terrible as feared. However, this preseason-inspired change might just be a smart move if Klopp needs to come up with a configuration for the longer term.