The reason Andy Robertson isn’t playing for Liverpool against Aston Villa
Andy Robertson has been omitted from the Liverpool squad for Monday night’s match against Aston Villa, but the left-back is expected to return for the final day of the season. The Reds lineup at Villa Park sees just one change from their 4-2 win over Tottenham, with Joe Gomez filling in at left-back.
Robertson’s absence was noted as he was not seen in training leading up to Liverpool’s trip to the Midlands, and his non-inclusion was confirmed upon the release of the team sheet at 7 pm. While Jurgen Klopp did not provide details on Robertson’s absence, Mail’s Lewis Steele reports that it’s due to a minor injury concern.
The decision to rest Robertson appears to be a precautionary measure ahead of the summer’s European Championship in Germany, especially considering the limited stakes in the remaining fixtures. Steele suggests that Robertson has been given a break for the night and should be fit for Klopp’s final game in charge against Wolves on May 19th.
Gomez’s return to the starting lineup follows five consecutive matches on the bench, with appearances as a substitute in previous games. Robertson had been a regular starter in those fixtures and was on a scoring streak, netting in games against West Ham and Spurs, extending his run to six consecutive starts, his longest this season.
With Gomez back in the lineup, Kostas Tsimikas finds a place on the bench at Villa Park after being absent in the previous match.