Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Andy Robertson has had surgery on the shoulder injury he suffered on international duty earlier this month.
The Liverpool defender was forced out of Scotland’s 2-0 defeat to Spain in Euro 2024 qualifying following a robust challenge from Unai Simon, and it was made known last week that the 29-year-old would go for an operation on the matter, thus sidelining him for an extended period.
However, in his press conference on Wednesday afternoon ahead of the Europa League clash against Toulouse, the Reds manager provided a positive update on the left-back, saying (via Liverpool Echo): “Robbo had surgery and all went well, as good as it could be. His rehab starts as soon as he wakes up.”
Klopp did add that he couldn’t put a timeframe on how long it’ll take before Robertson is available for selection once more.
READ MORE: ‘He is available’ – Klopp confirms injury boost for Liverpool ahead of Toulouse clash
This is the first time in just over six-and-a-bit years so far at Liverpool that the Scot has had a serious injury (Transfermarkt), so it’ll be a test for Kostas Tsimikas to come in and try to replicate the impact that his fellow left-back has made at Anfield.
It could also fast-track academy talents like Luke Chambers and Calum Scanlon into the first-team fold, with the Greece international likely to be in need of rest for some matches over the coming weeks and months.
At this stage we can only speculate as to when Robertson will be able to feature once more, although the Evening Standard have cited January as a potential return date.
We’ll probably get a better idea in that regard when the end of this year comes into view, but Liverpool will have little time to draw breath between now and then, with 16 more matches in 2023 as things stand (and possibly another if we get past Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup).
Nonetheless, it’s very reassuring to hear Klopp saying that Robbo’s surgery has gone as well as could be hoped. Fingers crossed that all goes to plan with his rehabilitation and that, sooner rather than later, we’ll once again see him marauding along the left flank at Anfield.
#Ep94 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones🎙️