I'm ready to replace Andy Robertson but I wasn't happy about it - Liverpool need both of us

Kostas Tsimikas is looking forward to getting a run in the Liverpool starting XI, but that doesn’t mean he’s happy about how such an opportunity has fallen his way.

Andy Robertsonhas remained the Reds’ first-choice left-back ahead of the Greek since he was brought in to provide competition to the Scotland international in the summer of 2020. Consequently, Tsimikas made only his 19th Premier League start in last weekend’s Merseyside derby victory over Everton.

Yet with Scot now expected to be out for three months, having undergone surgery after dislocating his shoulder on international duty, Tsimikas is set for his longest spell in Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI.

Rarely afforded such rhythm since moving to Anfield, the 27-year-old is determined to showcase the very best of his abilities in the absence of Robertson. But despite such an opportunity falling his way, Tsimikas has shared his unexpected reaction when told of his Liverpool team-mate’s injury.

I didn't expect to start my Liverpool career like this but now I want to win everything

Liverpool's late transfer could be priceless after Bayern Munich mistake and Ronald Koeman anger

“I think always, when I play, I see it as a big opportunity,” he told Sky Sports. “I didn’t expect Andy to get injured.

“When they called me and said to me that they expected for me to be happy, but me, I wasn’t, because first of all, with Andy, we are good friends and also we are team-mates.

“Of course, I need him and he needs me. Me alone and him alone, we can’t play all the games because there are so many.

“The rhythm is very important for a football player. I think until now, I play a game and after, I rest and after I play again. Always this, didn’t do too much for my rhythm.

“But