Andy Robertson injury: Progress & potential return date for Liverpool defender

Liverpool fans will be cursing the international break after seeing defender Andy Robertson substituted during Scotland's Euro 2024 qualifier against Spain with a nasty-looking injury.

Scotland missed their first opportunity to qualify for next summer's European Championship after suffering a 2-0 defeat in Seville. The Tartan Army weren't helped by Robertson's absence in the second half, with the left-back leaving the field with a shoulder injury after a collision with Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon just before the break.

While Scotland still reached Euro 2024 as results elsewhere went their way, Liverpool and manager Jurgen Klopp now have a major injury blow to manage with Robertson facing surgery and months on the sidelines.

Here's everything you need to know about Robertson's fitness status.

What injury does Andy Robertson have?

Liverpool's number 26 left the pitch at Estadio de La Cartuja using his shirt as a sling for his right arm after he was landed on by Unai Simon. Robertson was immediately substituted and looked in significant discomfort as he headed into the dressing room.

It's feared Robertson may have dislocated his shoulder under the impact of the Spain goalkeeper, a nasty injury that is not a quick fix.

Scotland boss Steve Clarke said after the game: "Obviously he's hurt his shoulder. We'll have a look, obviously go back to his club. Always seems to happen when you lose one player in a position: we lose Kieran [Tierney] on the left side and then Andy's picked up a shoulder injury.

"We'll see how it is, see how it settles down and hopefully he's good for his club as quickly as possible and he's ready to help us in November."

Before Liverpool's Merseyside derby clash with Everton once the international games had finished, Klopp revealed Robertson is likely to have surgery on his shoulder and be sidelined for a chunk of time.

In his pre-match press conference he said: "Little bit, I think the decision will go towards surgery. A little chance we can try without but all experts say surgery will be the best for the long term and that means he's out for a while. We don't know exactly how long."

When will Andy Robertson return from injury?

Early reports indicated Robertson's injury could keep him out for anywhere between two weeks and four months. However, with surgery now expected, he will likely be out for over three months.

That means Robertson could be missing until mid-January, with the potential of a longer absence. It's a difficult blow for Liverpool, while Scotland will be thankful their qualification for Euro 2024 was wrapped up during the international break as he'll miss their games against Georgia and Norway in November.

Who will replace Andy Robertson?

Greece international Kostas Tsimikas will likely be the defender brought into the starting lineup to replace him.

However, Klopp also pointed to a number of alternative options he could consider if necessary before the Everton game.

He added: "Very important to have players like that. Thank god it's not only Kostas we have like that. Joe Gomez can play the position. Luke Chambers and other young boys. Young kids are really showing up."

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