Arne Slot and Virgil van Dijk have commented on Andrew Robertson’s situation with the manager-skipper duo eager for the full-back to stay.

Liverpool continued to show defensive frailties, as they leaked three goals in the loss to Bournemouth at the weekend. The match also saw utility man Joe Gomez limp off with a new injury, while they have already lost Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley to season-ending injuries earlier.

The Liverpool defence is probably at its bare bones, and they cannot lose another player to injury, let alone sell a key man. Of late, Andrew Robertson has been linked with a move away, with suggestions that Tottenham have a verbal agreement in place for the Scottish full-back.

Liverpool have contemplated recalling Kostas Tsimikas from his loan spell at AS Roma, with the Serie A side open to letting the Greek international leave. As things stand, the Tottenham-linked Robertson is into the final six months of his Liverpool contract, which could mean this window is the final opportunity for the Merseysiders to cash in.

However, losing an influential figure like Andrew Robertson in a crucial part of the season would certainly weaken their defensive setup. While Tsimikas is a good choice to have, considering he knows how the team operates after spending a few seasons under Jurgen Klopp and then the title-winning campaign under Klopp. However, he is probably inferior to Robertson’s quality.

There were suggestions that Tottenham may have to wait a little longer before sealing the transfer of Robertson, with Liverpool planning on using him for the midweek Champions League clash. Should that happen, the Tottenham-linked wide man will get the opportunity to bid his goodbyes to the Anfield crowd.

However, going by Slot and Virgil van Dijk’s comments on Andrew Robertson’s situation, which appeared on Sky Sports, the manager-skipper duo want the experienced star to stay. Whether that is possible remains to be seen, as reports have stated that the Scot is keen to seal a move to north London.

Slot said, “I need all my players. I always knew that another 90 minutes for Milos Kerkez against an intense Bournemouth side was not a possibility, so I already knew I had to bring Robertson in.”

“But I had already made one substitution, so you only have two windows left, so I brought him on at half time to make sure Kerkez stays available for the rest of the season. I have to manage that. The last thing we need is another injury.”

Virgil van Dijk added, “I speak to him every day, he’s my vice captain. Robbo is a very important member of our team, and I want him to stay. Whatever happens. We’ll see.”

As things stand, Liverpool will weaken their backline with the sale of Robertson, unless they sign a replacement rather than bringing Tsimikas back to the club. Fulham’s Antonee Robinson is being linked, although the Cottagers will demand a huge price for their star left-back and may not want to sell him midway through the season.