In anticipation of information regarding the damage he sustained while serving his country abroad, Andy Robertson has been shown with his arm in a sling.
The 29-year-old was substituted after colliding with Unai Simon last Thursday during Scotland’s loss to Spain in their Euro 2024 qualifying match.
The Liverpool left back departed the pitch with what seemed to be a dislocated shoulder after the Spain custodian landed awkwardly on Robertson’s arm.
While Scotland manager Steve Clarke acknowledged he was doubtful if his skipper would be available for next month’s internationals, Robertson left the national team camp to get a scan at his club.
Clarke stated: “As always with injured players, we send them back to their club; Andy’s gone back to Liverpool” prior to Scotland’s 4-1 friendly loss to France on Tuesday.
“His injury will be handled by Liverpool. Liverpool will take care of the shoulder issue, which is obviously a problem. It’s excellent if he can go next month. If he isn’t ready for next month, maybe he will be ready for his club as soon as possible.”
The Mirror published images of Robertson leaving a Greggs in Wilmslow, Cheshire, with his arm in a sling on Wednesday, which raised more questions about the seriousness of his injury.
The length of time it will take the left back to recuperate now primarily relies on whether the problem requires surgery. If it happens, Robertson’s absence from Liverpool would likely last for more than two months, or the majority of the rest of the year.
What is certain is that Robertson will not participate in this weekend’s Merseyside Derby, however fans are expecting for further information when Jurgen Klopp talks at his news conference on Friday.
Kostas Tsimikas, a more conventional left back, or utilising Joe Gomez (or even another centre back) in a hybrid role that would assist the new system work better are currently the manager of Liverpool’s options.
In addition to Robertson’s injury, England Under-20s left defender Luke Chambers also suffered a knock while on the pitch and will likely be sidelined for a few weeks, eliminating him from the running for at least a seat on the bench.