Football News

Liverpool defender Andy Robertson fears ankle injury could have long-term effect after Scotland withdrawal

By James Richards

Published: 13:06, 14 November 2019

Liverpool full-back Andrew Robertson has said he is disappointed to miss out on playing for Scotland but needs to rest a knock on his ankle before it becomes more serious.

The defender had been struggling with an ankle problem before a tackle from Manchester City midfielder flared up the injury, which will now need time to recover.

Why has Robertson withdrawn from the Scotland squad? Five things to know…

  • Robertson has withdrawn from international duty with Scotland due to an ankle injury.
  • He had been struggling with the ‘niggling’ problem for a while.
  • A tackle from Rodri, late in the Man City game, made the injury worse.
  • Robertson said he is disappointed to miss Scotland’s next match.
  • However, he believes it is vital to prevent the injury from ruining his season.

Scotland face Euro 2020 qualifiers against Cyprus and Kazakhstan next week but will be without their star full-back Robertson after the Liverpool man was forced to withdraw.

Despite not wanting to miss the games, the 25-year-old believes it is vital he gives his ankle time to recover or risks ruining his entire season.

“It’s a big disappointment for me to miss out,” said Robertson. “I don’t care what game it is, I want to play and my track record in the last five years has shown that.

“But for the last two and a half weeks, I’ve not trained at all for Liverpool. I’ve trained the day before a game, could only play the last 15 minutes against Genk in the Champions League and missed the Arsenal game in the League Cup.

“It’s a niggling injury which won’t go away unless I give it time. My ankle was already injured when a tackle from Rodri on me late in the game against Manchester City on Sunday opened it up again.

“I was already a doubt for Scotland but unfortunately that made it even worse. I don’t want to pick up more injuries and ruin my season because of it. The call has been made and it has been taken out of my hands. It hurts as captain to miss out. I know a lot has been said about these two games being meaningless but we don’t believe that.”

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Robertson vital for Liverpool’s title chances

Liverpool have been superb this season and Robertson is a key member of the side yet to be beaten in their opening 12 Premier League games.

The former Hull City defender laid on an assist for Mohamed Salah to score in the Reds’ recent 3-1 win over Manchester City, his first of the campaign, while he has also netted four goals for the Liverpool cause.

His dynamic runs down the left perfectly offset those made by Trent Alexander-Arnold on the opposite flank, and Jurgen Klopp will be a relieved man knowing one of his key men is not taking part in the upcoming internationals in order to give his ankle time to heal.

The Reds face a trip to Selhurst Park when they take on Crystal Palace following the conclusion of the international break.