Liverpool defender Andy Robertson will not be involved in the team’s three matches on their pre-season tour of the United States.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has revealed that Andy Robertson will not be involved in the team’s three matches on their pre-season tour of the United States.
Robertson, who was in action for Scotland at Euro 2024, has travelled with his teammates to the US.
However, Slot has said that the left-back will not take to the field against either Real Betis, Arsenal or Manchester United due to a small injury which he suffered at the European Championship.
“He is not fully fit yet. But we are expecting him in the end of the tour – maybe just after the tour – to be fully fit again,” Slot told reporters at a press conference.
“He took a small injury into the Euros and afterwards he had to recover from that after playing those games. But we will expect him back after our tour – but he joined us over here.”
© Reuters
Robertson out but there is good news on Jota
However, Slot has revealed that Diogo Jota, who was with the Portugal squad at Euro 2024, is set to link up with the squad in Pittsburgh with a view to being involved in the upcoming matches.
Meanwhile, Ryan Gravenberch and Ibrahima Konate will be late arrivals following their involvement with Netherlands and France respectively at this summer’s European Championship.
“Diogo is arriving today I think, so he will have his testing day tomorrow and the day after he will join us in the session,” Slot added on Thursday.
“And I think it’s Ibou and Ryan that will join us later in the trip. I don’t think I have forgotten anyone. The rest will start after the trip when we are back in Liverpool.”
© Reuters
Which other players are currently unavailable for Liverpool?
Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Alexis Mac Allister, Luis Diaz, Alisson Becker and Darwin Nunez are the notable absentees for Liverpool due to international commitments.
Slot was asked about goalkeeper Alisson during his press conference and said: “I think he will start also in Liverpool when we’re back.
“The first aim is to work with these players. The disadvantage is that many of them aren’t here yet. The positive is that it gives us time to take a good look at the youngsters.
“There is an important line at the club that young players come through. Our standards are really high when it comes to bringing in new players. Of course, Richard (Hughes) and I are trying to improve the squad where possible.”
Liverpool are working towards their 2024-25 Premier League opener, which will come against newly-promoted Ipswich Town on August 17.