Andy Robertson has said that he has played through the pain at times this season.

What's the story?

The Scotland international was speaking to Liverpool's official website, with him discussing a variety of topics such as the winter break and free-kicks.

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He was asked whether he believed it was a good time for a break, and he replied: "To be honest, my body felt fine. I didn’t feel tired and it wasn’t tiredness. It was more the pain I was playing in at times; I pulled out of the Scotland squad in November with an injury and it probably continued on, then I took another knock on it and it probably got worse. A lot of us play through pain at times, that’s part and parcel of being a footballer. You need to be out there on a Saturday if you can. Where there’s a will there’s a way. A lot of us have showed that at times."

Desperate for back-up

Robertson has been in fantastic form this term. He has started all but one Premier League game, providing six assists in the process and showing he has been an integral part of the team as Jurgen Klopp's men has raced to a 22-point lead at the top of the table - the highest such margin in the history of the top flight.

However, Klopp has a distinct lack of options behind the 25-year-old. James Milner has filled in when needed but, although he is a versatile player, he is still a central midfielder by trade. After that, Adam Lewis and Yasser Larouci are the alternatives - however, they are unlikely to fill the former Borussia Dortmund boss with too much confidence if Robertson were ever to be out injured for a sustained period.

Whilst it is admirable that Robertson wants to contribute as much as possible to the team, it is poor foresight from Klopp and Co to have him struggling with pain on the pitch. In the long run, that could cause problems both for the the manager and indeed the player himself.

Liverpool are in desperate need of some back-up to the former Hull City defender - that should be among their main priorities during the summer transfer window. Star names likes Jadon Sancho and Timo Werner are all well and good - they have been linked with both - but protection for important players is more important than that.

Meanwhile, we predict Liverpool's starting XI against Norwich.