Home Football ‘Andy Robertson injury and triple doubt’: How Klopp could handle Everton

‘Andy Robertson injury and triple doubt’: How Klopp could handle Everton

Football — 10/14/2023

Liverpool’s next Premier League game is the Merseyside derby against Everton.

Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool face their city rivals at Anfield on October 21 at 12:30pm, in the first game back after the international break.

As is often the case with such interruptions in the domestic schedule, there is a possibility of players returning from international duty with injuries.

Unfortunately, Andy Robertson was forced off the field with a shoulder injury following Scotland’s Euro 2024 defeat to Spain. It’s unclear how long the left-back will be out, though there’s a chance he won’t be back anytime soon.

Another issue that Liverpool will have before facing Everton is that the club’s South American foursome will all be competing in World Cup qualifiers in the days running up to the derby before returning to England.

On October 17 (October 18, 1am UK time), Brazil will face Uruguay, with Darwin Nunez leading the line for the latter. One plus about this match is that Alisson, who has been benched by his home county, may not participate.

Alexis MacAllister and Argentina go to Peru, while Luis Diaz plays away from home as Colombia visits Ecuador. There is a strong possibility that Nunez, Mac Allister, and Diaz will not be risked for Everton, as was the case following the last international break (with the exception of Mac Allister, who started against Wolves).

Kostas Tsimikas is the apparent solution to the Robertson issue, assuring the Greek defender a run of first-team starts. In defense, Joel Matip is a strong contender to keep his starting spot alongside Virgil van Dijk now that he is no longer subjected to the pressures of international football.

Due to Curtis Jones’ suspension and Mac Allister’s inability to play in such an important game from the start, possibilities for summer acquisitions Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo in midfield may arise.

With Diaz and Nunez maybe settling for bench spots, it’s feasible Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo will be given starts alongside the ever-present Mohamed Salah.

Possible Liverpool XI for Everton: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Matip, Tsimikas; Endo, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Gakpo, Jota.