‘Not close’… Jurgen Klopp says 29-year-old Liverpool player is still injured and won’t be returning yet

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Jurgen Klopp has given a new injury update on Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson.

Robertson has been missing since October having dislocated his shoulder whilst on international duty with Scotland.

With fellow left-back Kostas Tsimikas now injured too, the 29-year-old’s recovery has become an even bigger topic. However, speaking in his pre-Newcastle press conference today, Klopp admitted that Robertson is still ‘not close’ to a return.

“Robbo still needs more range in his shoulder,” said the manager. “It was a big surgery, he’s still not close. He’s in [individual] training and can do a lot without using the arm properly. Obviously good, but it shows us that there’s a long way to go. For sure I think for January he has to get closer and closer.”

Klopp also gave an update on when Liverpool fans can expect to see Alexis Mac Allister again.

“Macca we will see what he can do today, if he can step into team training or not,” said the boss. “The decision is not done yet. We will see.”

Robertson not ready yet

This is not an entirely unexpected update from Klopp. Robertson had always appeared likely to be back towards the end of January.

Nevertheless, it’s a little frustrating. Had Tsimikas been fit, there wouldn’t be a problem.

The Greek had been in excellent form before getting injured. His performances had ensured that Robertson’s absence hadn’t been felt as much as it might have been.

But with Tsimikas perhaps now facing an even longer period out, things are a little on edge.

There have been rumours that Liverpool might address this by dipping into the transfer market in January. Fulham’s Antonee Robinson is a name that has been mentioned this week.

But for the moment at least, the Reds will have to rely on Joe Gomez to fill in at left-back.

Gomez himself has been subject to some transfer rumours, with Tottenham Hotspur said to be interested in signing him. For the time being though, that’s never going to happen. Liverpool need him.

After that, it doesn’t sound like Robbo is a million miles away. But for another month or so we’re going to have to be patient.