Everton could target Liverpool weakness after Andy Robertson injury on international duty
Everton are currently enjoying a bit of time away from the stresses of the Premier League, but in just over a week, it gets back underway with a trip to Liverpool.
The Toffees couldn’t have a much bigger return to action following the October international break than the first Merseyside derby of the campaign, but they may have received an early boost long before a ball has even been kicked.
Liverpool left-back and Scotland captain Andy Robertson left the field late in the first half of Steve Clareke’s side’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Spain on Thursday (12 October) cradling his right arm in a makeshift sling out of his shirt having seemingly injured his shoulder.
While the severity of the injury is as yet unknown, it looked to be a serious knock for the Liverpool full-back and it is unlikely that he would have allowed a minor knock to prevent him from playing in a match that could well have sealed his side’s qualification for next summer’s tournament.
The 29-year-old has been an everpresent for Jurgen Klopp’s side in the Premier League this season, starting all eight games of the campaign so far and scoring once as the Reds set fourth in the table and 10 points ahead of the Toffees.
Typically, the former Hull full-back is one of Liverpool’s biggest attacking threats, picking up 18 assists in the last two league seasons combined and in his absence Klopp will likely have to turn to Kostas Tsimikas to deputies on the left-side of defence.
Everton on the other hand have a full squad of attacking players who have remained with the Toffees over the international break, who will likely be entering the contest at Anfield fully fit and ready to build on their recent upturn in form.
With the likes of Jack Harrison, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Beto having an extra two weeks of training under their belt ahead of this derby clash, Dyche could well set up his team to target the absence of Liverpool’s preferred full-back.
The Toffees have often set up to flood crosses into the opposition box and if Liverpool are without Robertson it could make it a lot easier for the likes of Dwight McNeil and Harrison to find space in the wider areas to aim for their strikers in the area.
