Liverpool full-back Kostas Tsimikas is nearing a return from the injury that saw him miss the last two games.
That’s according to the Liverpool Echo, who claim that Tsimikas is due back in Liverpool training this week.
The 26-year-old could even reportedly be available for Monday’s matchday squad. The Reds take on Crystal Palace on at Anfield next week.
Tsimikas had missed both the Community Shield win and Saturday’s draw with Fulham. Andy Robertson’s presence means the Greek is unlikely to start against Palace. But his return is still a boost for Liverpool.
Building the squad back up
One by one, Liverpool’s injured players will hopefully start returning to the fold. After what felt like a decent pre-season injury-wise, a look at The Reds’ bench on Saturday suggested that Jurgen Klopp’s options were actually thinning.
So often a fixture of the squad over the last 12 months, Tsimikas was one of those forced to miss the opening day.
But Klopp had already suggested the the £65k-a-week man would be back in training sooner than some of his colleagues.
With respect to Kostas, he isn’t the man most supporters would be desperate to see return first. But regardless, he’s a quality player who instantly improves the standard of the matchday squad.
Without him, should anything happen to Robertson, James Milner would be next in line. Although Milner always does an admirable job at left-back, it changes the way Liverpool play considerably when he’s forced to do so.
Instead, hopefully Tsimikas can now stay fit and give Klopp the option of resting his first-choice.
A big part of the reason Liverpool were able to go so far in all competitions last season was because of players like Tsimikas. The left-back scored the FA Cup winning penalty in May and would likely start for a large percentage of Premier League sides.
Having that kind of player fit and available in reserve is crucial to Liverpool’s continued success.
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