Liverpool manager Arne Slot has expressed his expectation that vice-captain Andy Robertson will remain at the club this month, following preliminary discussions with Tottenham Hotspur regarding a potential move for the left-back.
Spurs' Surprise Approach for Robertson
Tottenham made an unexpected approach for Robertson last week. The Scotland international's contract at Anfield is set to expire in the summer, and he had previously indicated a desire for more regular first-team football after losing his starting position to Milos Kerkez.
Out of respect for Robertson's long service, Liverpool considered the offer from Spurs. However, the club ultimately concluded that, given their current defensive situation, they need to retain the experienced defender.
Slot's Firm Stance on Robertson's Future
This decision has been firmly supported by manager Arne Slot, who confirmed that Robertson will be included in the squad for tomorrow's crucial Champions League encounter against Qarabag.
"Robbo is part of the team tomorrow evening. He has been part of this squad for so many years," Slot stated during his pre-match press conference. "I am happy to have him and I am glad he is available because that is not normal for us right now. He will be part of the team and nothing is happening on this side."
Slot added a note of caution about the unpredictable nature of football transfers but reiterated his position: "It's hard to say anything definite in this world we are in but I expect him to stay."
Defensive Crisis Forces Liverpool's Hand
Liverpool's decision to keep Robertson is influenced significantly by their current defensive injury crisis. The club will be without both Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate for the Qarabag match, leaving captain Virgil van Dijk as the only available senior centre-back.
Gomez sustained an injury during Saturday's defeat to Bournemouth after taking a blow from goalkeeper Alisson. While Slot couldn't provide an exact return date, he expects the English defender back in "a relatively short time."
Konate remains absent due to a family bereavement, with Slot expressing sympathy: "Of course I spoke to him. If you know why he's not here, we know he's having a hard time. I am hoping and expecting to have him back soon but not for tomorrow evening."
Midfielder to Fill Defensive Void
With such limited options at the back, Slot confirmed he will be forced to deploy a midfielder in central defence against the Azerbaijani side.
"For sure at centre-back tomorrow there will not be a centre-back," he explained. "I can only play a midfielder as there are no centre-backs available apart from Virgil."
Slot praised van Dijk's remarkable fitness levels: "I credit him a lot for being fit all the time, at his age to constantly be ready to play another 90 is something we should not take for granted."
Robertson's Role and Contract Considerations
Robertson has made just four Premier League starts this season but featured in the second half against Bournemouth. Slot revealed he knew Kerkez couldn't complete the full ninety minutes due to workload management.
The left-back could see increased involvement during the second half of the campaign, particularly with Wednesday's league phase finale determining whether Liverpool will need to participate in the challenging knockout play-offs. The Reds currently sit inside the top eight.
Retaining Robertson does present financial considerations for Liverpool. The club risks losing the defender on a free transfer in the summer, foregoing a potential transfer fee, while also denying Robertson the opportunity for a longer-term contract at Tottenham.
Nevertheless, Liverpool's immediate defensive needs have taken precedence, with Slot clearly valuing Robertson's experience and availability during this period of squad disruption.
