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Publication date: Wednesday, September 30, 2020 4:48 AM
Liverpool have a gap to fill in defense following news that Andy Robertson’s substitute Kostas Tsimikas has been ruled out for Thursday’s Carabao Cup clash with Arsenal.
The Greek signing started his first game for the club in last week’s resounding 7-2 win over Lincoln.
And while Liverpool’s attackers made headlines that night, Tsimikas also garnered rave reviews.
Jurgen Klopp moved in for the 24 year old in the summer to cover Scottish ace Robertson.
But he won’t be able to show his talent again after sustaining a thigh injury in the Lincoln fight.
Assistant Pep Lijnders, who will again take over LiverpoolHe said: “We thought it would be resolved but it was not like that and it will need a few more days and the international break as well.”
Liverpool also have defender Joel Matip and attacking midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain unavailable due to injury.
The Reds used Virgil van Dijk during the first half against Lincoln in an attempt to help organize and ground the changed team around him.
That responsibility could now fall on James milner. Not only would he provide leadership on the field, the 34-year-old can also fill the left-back role, a role he’s used to playing at Anfield.
Captain Jordan Henderson is another who will not participate.
Lijnders explained: “Jordan will re-evaluate on Friday after this game to see if he is ready for (Sunday’s Premier League trip to) Villa, at least to train with us.”
Henderson has been out since taking a hit in a 2-0 win at Chelsea. They missed Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Arsenal on Monday night.
Koumetio could play against Arsenal
Another defender who might be involved is teenager Billy Koumetio.
The 17-year-old central defender returned from the bench after playing 60 minutes in the U-18 game against Manchester city on Saturday.
Lijnders believes the Frenchman has a bright future.
He said Liverpoolfc.com: “Billy has a clear path within our club. It is at the beginning of this path.
“He had an incredible season in the U-18s last year, he is part of our squad and his development has been enormous. It is so humble and so full of potential, but it has its own process, its own goals.
“The reason he played only 60 minutes in the U-18 game at the weekend was for medical reasons, so we have to watch to see how he is doing, but we are very happy that he is part of our team.”
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