Liverpool rule out January panic buys despite Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas injuries
Liverpool will not panic buy to fill the void of injured full-backs Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas, despite the Scotland captain being a month away from a first-team comeback.
Jurgen Klopp confirmed on Friday that Robertson is “not close” to first-team training as he continues his rehabilitation from a dislocated shoulder.
With Greek international Tsimikas facing a lengthy layoff after suffering a broken collar bone in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal last weekend, that leaves the Premier League leaders short of a recognised left-back for upcoming league and cup games.
Despite that, Liverpool are not planning to enter the transfer market for an emergency replacement, with the versatile Joe Gomez deputising for the next few weeks.
Klopp has been linked with a move for a left back since Tsimikas’ setback, but there is no appetite to spend heavily on what would amount to a short-term measure. At this juncture, it looks unlikely Liverpool will be active at all with regards January recruitment, with Klopp confident he has the squad to maintain a challenge on four fronts despite also being without centre-back Joel Matip for the rest of this campaign.
The Liverpool manager revealed that Robertson needs more time to fully recover from the injury sustained when playing for Scotland during the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
“Robbo still needs more range in his shoulder so is still not even close to team training,” said Klopp.
“He can do a lot but without using the arm, which is good but shows we still have a long way to go. For sure, for January he has to get closer and closer.”
The most optimistic assessment is Robertson will be in contention at the end of January.
There was more encouraging news for Klopp with Alexis Mac Allister close to a first team return. The Argentine midfielder has not played since suffering a severe cut on his knee against Sheffield United on Dec 6, but he is due to return to training before the Newcastle game.
Diogo Jota’s goalscoring comeback at Burnley on Boxing Day was also perfectly timed given Mohamed Salah will leave for African Cup of Nations duty next Tuesday.
“Super important, the return of each of the boys is super important but Diogo especially,” said Klopp.
“Everybody was talking about our five [striker] options but I don’t think we had it that often. It is so important we can rotate between them but with Mo leaving [for the AFCON] and [Wataru] Endo [for the Asia Cup]. If Macca could be back for Newcastle it would be outstanding.”
Liverpool face Newcastle United on New Year’s Day and then have a busy schedule in the domestic cups with a two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final against Fulham, and a trip to Arsenal in the FA Cup third round.
