One man’s loss is another’s gain. And with Andy Robertson facing a potentially lengthy injury lay-off, one man set to benefit is Kostas Tsimikas.
With the Merseyside Derby just around the corner, the ‘Greek Scouser’ hit form at the perfect time in a must-win game for his country with a man-of-the-match showing against the Republic of Ireland on Friday.
Showing that he could be the man to fill the Scotsman’s boots, not only did the left-back register an assist to help secure victory for Greece, Tsimikas completed the most dribbles (four), won the most duels (eight) and made five recoveries and two interceptions.
The Greek, nonetheless, will still face competition from both Joe Gomez, who has played the position before, and 19-year-old academy star Luke Chambers, who made the matchday squad for the 2-2 draw with Brighton and was linked with Bayer Leverkusen over the summer.
SUSPECTED DISLOCATED SHOULDER
Tsimikas could be expected to deputise on the left-hand side for some time, depending on the results of the scan Andy Robertson was expected to undergo on Friday, according to the Athletic.
The Scotsman is suspected to have suffered a dislocated shoulder during Scotland’s Euro 2024 qualifying defeat in Spain on Thursday. The left-back left the pitch in Seville shortly before half-time after a collision with goalkeeper Unai Simón, who landed on the Liverpool man’s arm.
Robertson was immediately forced off, in clear discomfort and using his shirt as a makeshift sling, and left the Scotland camp, ruling him out of Tuesday’s friendly with France for which Liverpool’s Ben Doak could be called up.
The treatment for a dislocated shoulder depends on whether surgery is required, putting the recovery timeline at anywhere between two weeks and four months.
