Kostas Tsimikas injury could force Liverpool into transfer with star “out for a long time”

The Greek international defender suffered a broken collarbone in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal after a challenge from Bukayo Saka, with Reds boss Jurgen Klopp confirming he faces a long spell on the sidelines

Kostas Tsimikas has become the second Liverpool left-back to suffer a serious injury this season, with the Greek breaking his collarbone in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal.

Bukayo Saka’s challenge sent the defender into his manager Jurgen Klopp in the 35th minute of the contest, with Klopp also falling and landing awkwardly on his player.

Tsimikas was taken to hospital following the incident, which Saka has apologised for, and Klopp later confirmed that he faces an extended spell on the sidelines. The Greek has proved to be an able deputy to Andy Robertson this season, after the Scotland captain dislocated his shoulder on international duty in October.

Joe Gomez came on for Tsimikas following his injury, with the England international playing at left-back as he has on a handful of occasions this season. But with no timescale on Robertson’s return just yet, the Reds could be tempted to move into the transfer market in January for a left-back or a versatile defender who can player across the defence such as Gomez.

If they do, here are some options they may consider.

1 of 5

Goncalo Inacio – (Sporting Lisbon)

The Sporting Lisbon star (left) has been watched by the Reds in the past, and they are sure to be impressed with what they’ve seen from the 22-year-old.

Most comfortable as a left-sided centre-back, Inacio can also do a job at left-back too, and he’s got an eye for goal having netted twice in five appearances for Portugal’s senior team since his debut in March.
2 of 5

Piero Hincapie – (Bayer Leverkusen)

Ecuador defender Hincapie has been one of the stars of Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen side who have reached the winter break in Germany unbeaten and top of the table.

Like Inacio the 21-year-old is a left-sided defender who is probably more at home at left-back than the Portuguese is, but he is unlikely to come cheap in January. What’s more, he’s represented by the same agency as Moises Caicedo, who Liverpool will be wary of after their summer dealings with.

(

Image:

Oliver Kaelke/DeFodi Images/REX/Shutterstock)
3 of 5

Arthur Theate – (Rennes)

The Reds were linked with Belgium international Theate in the summer, but a move never materialised for the 23-year-old and he ended up staying in France with Rennes.

Capped 14 times by his country, Theate is a rough and ready left-sided player who again can play as a centre-back or left-back, something that will appeal to the Reds if they are to continue with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s inverted role.

(

Image:

AFP via Getty Images)
4 of 5

Levi Colwill – (Chelsea)

Okay it is unlikely, but after they were rebuffed in their interest in Colwill in the summer, Liverpool are still likely to be monitoring the defender’s situation at Chelsea, where it is being suggested that the Blues need to offload a homegrown player, likely to be Conor Gallagher, to comply with FFP issues.

Colwill signed a new contract when he agreed to stay at Stamford Brdge in the summer, but once Liverpool show interest in a player then they usually keep track of them, and they might look to explore what would be an exciting option.

(

Image:

Martin Dalton/REX/Shutterstock)
5 of 5

David Hancko – (Feyenoord)

Another who has been linked with the Reds in the past, Slovakia centre-back Hancko is yet another who can play as a centre-back or left-back.

He’s a little older than the others on this list at 26, but he was superb in Feyenoord’s Dutch title success last season and could present a solid addition.

READ NEXT:

HENDRICK ON GRAVENBERCH: ‘EVERY SINGLE PART OF IT WAS HORRENDOUS’

LIVERPOOL VS ARSENAL: PERSPECTIVE FROM ANFIELD INDEX

PREMIER LEAGUE RIVALRIES: GAME OF TACTICAL NUANCE

Liverpool’s recent 1-1 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League was a testament to football’s strategic complexities. This intriguing clash was dissected in detail by Dave Hendrick and Jim Boardman, with Guy Drinkel hosting, in the Anfield Index’s “Post-Match RAW” podcast.

LIVERPOOL’S STRATEGY: A MIXED BAG OF EXECUTION

Liverpool’s approach to the game was a combination of tactical ingenuity and missed chances. Dave Hendrick provided a thorough critique, particularly highlighting the substitution of Ryan Gravenberch. “Jurgen just completely killed our Midfield by bringing on Gravenberch,” Hendrick remarked, underlining his disappointment with the player’s performance.

ARSENAL’S FORMIDABLE DEFENSE

Arsenal’s capability to stand firm against Liverpool’s attack was a significant talking point. Their well-organised defense, a product of Arteta’s coaching, was lauded for its resilience.

IMPACT OF INDIVIDUAL PLAYERS

Jim Boardman emphasised the crucial role of individual players in influencing the game’s dynamics. “The whole crowd was…very much behind the players, putting pressure on the ref with decisions and all the rest of it as it should be,” he noted, discussing the match’s intense atmosphere and its effect on the players and the game.

FRUSTRATION IN LIVERPOOL’S ATTACK

Dave Hendrick pointed out Liverpool’s inability to capitalise on their offensive forays. “We had our moments, but we just couldn’t capitalise,” he stated, highlighting a recurring theme of potential left unrealized.

ARSENAL’S TACTICAL DISCIPLINE

Discussing Arsenal’s gameplay, Hendrick noted their structured yet somewhat predictable approach. However, he identified their need for improvement in transitioning between defensive and offensive play.

SUBSTITUTIONS: A GAME CHANGER?

The impact of substitutions, especially Liverpool’s, was critically assessed. Hendrick’s blunt evaluation of Gravenberch’s performance as “horrendous” offered a stark contrast to the expectations set by his introduction to the game.

DEFENSIVE PROWESS: A STALWART OF THE GAME

The podcast also shed light on the defensive aspects, with Jim Boardman acknowledging the resilience shown by both teams. This defensive solidity was instrumental in maintaining a balance in the game, preventing it from tipping in favor of either side.

WRAPPING UP: TACTICAL STANDSTILL

In their podcast, Hendrick and Boardman provided an in-depth analysis of a key Premier League encounter. Their expert insights offered a comprehensive understanding of the tactical intricacies and individual impacts that shaped the outcome of this highly anticipated match.