Jurgen Klopp offered an update on Andy Robertson’s worrying-looking ankle injury after Liverpool drew 1-1 with Athletic Bilbao in a pre-season friendly at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, insisting the pain has already eased but admitting the club will not know more about the severity of the issue until scans have been conducted.
The first-choice left-back was forced to hobble off in the first half after staying down on the turf having looked to have had twisted his right ankle while trying to block Alex Berenguer’s cross.
Scotland captain Robertson, who played in all 38 of Liverpool’s Premier League matches last term, received lengthy treatment before going off via assistance of the club’s medical staff.
And Liverpool for now remain uncertain as to whether the 27-year-old will be fit to face Norwich next Saturday (5.30pm) in their opening Premier League match.
Robertson will have scans on the problem on Monday with Liverpool now hoping and praying the Champions League and Premier League winner is not set for a lengthy lay-off.
Klopp said post-match: “We obviously don’t know in the moment how serious it is. It was pretty painful and that’s why Andy went off.
MUST READ: Liverpool’s Fabinho reacts to Man Utd, Man City and Chelsea transfers
“You probably saw it on the TV pictures better than we did, but he got the ball, the ball on the front of his foot, [and] twisted the ankle.
“The pain settled already, but we cannot say anything further without further assessment tomorrow. He has to get a scan and then we will know more.”
Robertson was clapped off by a 40,000-strong Anfield as Liverpool’s home ground hosted a 75 per cent capacity, its largest crowd since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
Teenager Owen Beck replaced the former Hull City defender while James Milner is also capable of playing at left-back, having done so for the whole 2016-17 season.
If the Scot is unavailable to face Norwich, Kostas Tsimikas will be the favourite to replace him after a strong pre-season.
Do you want an exclusive pre-season preview for YOUR club – both in your inbox and through your letterbox? Head over here to find out more and secure your copy.
“It’s disappointing to see but I’m sure he’ll bounce back as soon as he can.”
While goalscorer Jota added of Robertson: “No not really [I’ve not had the chance to speak with him].
“I hope it’s nothing serious so he can join us in the first game. Hopefully it can be that way.”
Klopp’s side conclude their pre-season against Osasuna and then have five days to prepare for the trip to newly-promoted Norwich.
That Virgil van Dijk played 71 minutes and Joel Matip 90 against Bilbao hints the pair could line up together at centre-back versus the Norfolk outfit.
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.