Liverpool: Andy Robertson gives update on ankle injury
Liverpool star Andy Robertson’s struggle with his ongoing ankle injury is having an adverse effect on the team. Robertson hasn’t been fully fit since hurting his foot against Manchester City last month and his performance against Brighton on Saturday showed he is still dealing with the effects.
As Liverpool.com pointed out, the left-back made just 62 passes all game, with none in the opposition penalty box, which is far from his usual best.
Following Fabinho’s ligament injury, which will sideline him for the foreseeable future, Jurgen Klopp had to tweak his midfield trio as the Brazil international’s absence was glaring.
That is why Klopp placed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the right side from which he took Jordan Henderson and placed him in the Brazilian ace’s position in the middle against the Seagulls.
It is still painful but, you know, it is something that I gave time for it to improve
Liverpool star Andy Robertson
Georginio Wijnaldum had to remain on the left side to provide cover for Robertson who wasn’t at his best against Crystal Palace or Napoli either.
If the Scotland international was fully fit then that would have allowed Klopp to take more liberties with the choices he has left in midfield to cover for Fabinho.
But the current situation demands Wijnaldum on the left side and that doesn’t leave the German manager with many options for the remaining spots in midfield.
Robertson admitted he has been playing through the pain barrier but is confident the problem will soon improve.
Liverpool star Andy Robertson has been dealing with an injury (Image: GETTY)
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has praised Andy Robertson (Image: GETTY)
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The 25-year-old said: "It is still painful but, you know, it is something that I gave time for it to improve.
"Keeping it moving will help it. Hopefully in time it will be better.
Klopp, though, has tremendous faith in Robertson and expects a lot out of him as he considers him as one of the best let-backs in Europe.
The Liverpool boss said in September: ““Robbo’s an outstanding boy and I like the fact he has done it the hard way.
“Did he become better because of us? Yes. But did we become better because of him? Yes. It’s a proper win/win situation.
“And it’s been a pleasure to work with him from day one. He had some difficulties in the first three or four months to get in the team and settle but the potential was clear from the start, that’s why we signed him.
“What he made of his potential was up to him but his character, he never needed asked twice to do anything. He asked what he had to do to improve, and he just did it.
“With his natural strength on top, I honestly don’t know if there was a better left-back in Europe last year.
“And he has started this season exactly the same way.”