Robertson Injury Adds to Liverpool’s Mounting Fitness Concerns
Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge was painful in more ways than one. Aside from another late setback for Arne Slot’s side, an injury concern for Andy Robertson emerged — leaving both club and country anxiously awaiting updates.
Robertson’s Pain Overshadows Another Late Defeat
Liverpool’s night in west London ended on a sour note as Robertson was seen limping off after the final whistle. The Scotland captain replaced Milos Kerkez midway through the second half and brought renewed energy to Liverpool’s left flank. Yet his evening turned from promising to worrying in the closing stages.
Chelsea’s teenage sensation Estevao slipped free of Robertson at the back post to score the winning goal, and moments later, the 31-year-old appeared to be in significant discomfort. Cameras captured him walking gingerly towards the tunnel, supported by Liverpool’s head of physical therapy, Chris Morgan.
Observers at Stamford Bridge, including journalist Lewis Steele, described Robertson as “looking in a lot of pain” — a sentiment echoed by multiple reports in the press box. For a player who has endured his share of injuries in recent seasons, this latest incident comes as an unwelcome setback.
Slot Keeps Quiet as Scotland Awaits Decision
Arne Slot declined to comment directly on Robertson’s condition post-match, preferring to wait for further medical assessment. The timing is particularly awkward, with Scotland preparing for back-to-back fixtures against Greece and Belarus at Hampden Park.
The Liverpool medical team will now determine whether Robertson can safely join up with Steve Clarke’s squad or whether a precautionary withdrawal is necessary. Given his importance to both club and country, a cautious approach seems likely.
Liverpool’s recent fixture congestion — coupled with a demanding international calendar — has placed heavy strain on the squad’s core players. Slot, still early in his tenure, faces an increasing challenge to balance fitness management with performance expectations.
Konaté Adds to Growing Concerns
Liverpool’s defensive concerns deepened further when Ibrahima Konaté was withdrawn at the same time as Kerkez, prompting tactical reshuffling from Slot. Curtis Jones was introduced into midfield while Ryan Gravenberch dropped into defence to compensate.
“It was to do with fitness. He felt his quad a little bit,” Slot told Sky Sports after the match. “Then alarm bells go off with me. If the game had gone on like this I would have made the change as well, maybe a bit later, but I did not want to take the risk as they pressed us with the left winger.”
Slot later added during his press conference: “I don’t know if it is a big injury. He limped a little bit. I asked him and he felt his quad. It might be OK that he went off early enough.”
Liverpool’s Depth Set for Test
As Liverpool prepare for a crucial run of fixtures in both the Premier League and Europe, Slot may be forced to explore alternative options in defence. Kerkez remains in the early stages of his Anfield adaptation, while Kostas Tsimikas has been used sparingly this season.
For Robertson, the coming days will be decisive. If scans reveal only minor damage, a brief rest period may suffice. But should the injury prove more significant, Liverpool’s left side — already an area of tactical importance — could face a period of instability just as the campaign intensifies.
