Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders has confirmed that Andy Robertson is back available for team selection.
The 29-year-old has been sidelined for over three months, having dislocated his shoulder whilst playing for Scotland against Spain back in October. Asked about the defender’s fitness in the pre-match press conference ahead of the game versus Fulham, Lijnders said:
“He trained yesterday [Monday] with the team. It’s now 13 weeks, he had his meeting with the surgeon to make sure that everything is right to go into full contact – it’s clear. So, he did a lot of work and really good rehab throughout the last period, so he’s fit in terms of sports science. Now he has to get fit with proper team training.”
“So, that’s a big, big advantage to have him back. We were waiting for a long time – he’s one of our captains. I just met him in the canteen and he said, ‘Pep, I have my tracksuit with me!’ So, he’s pushing himself into the squad, so that’s good. He will travel [to Craven Cottage].”
Supporters on X are delighted that Robertson is back in contention ahead of some crucial fixtures:
Hearing Robbo is back is the best news ever
— Justin Cole LIVERPOOL FC MY LIFE (@JustinC94019825) January 23, 2024
I’ve missed Robbo so much finally he’s back!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🔴
— LiamLFCYNWA (@liegrr) January 23, 2024
Great News
— Henry C. Asuzu (@ChibuezeHenroo) January 23, 2024
Amazing 😍
— @muyachitAbiud (@LisaiAbiud) January 23, 2024
Finish all the necessary rehabs and be back on time, we gat lots of trophies to secure.
— Kemi-Kaks (@kotekou14026) January 23, 2024
😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️
— trafalgar law (@rafalgar_law886) January 23, 2024
When will Robertson start for Liverpool again?
Although the Scottish international will be in the matchday squad for the Carabao Cup semi-final tie against Fulham, he may have to settle for a place on the bench, with Joe Gomez retaining his position on the left-hand side of defence.
Robertson will probably get some minutes at Craven Cottage but it is more likely that he will get a start versus Norwich in the FA Cup this weekend. That will give the fullback the best possible chance of playing in the next two league games against Chelsea and Arsenal.
