New Tottenham signing Andy Robertson was forced off at half-time of Scotland’s 3-0 World Cup defeat to Brazil at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, and was later seen with an ice pack on his ankle – casting an early shadow over his Spurs career before it has properly begun.
The 32-year-old Scotland captain was replaced by Celtic’s Kieran Tierney at the interval, with no official explanation given for the substitution. Robertson returned to the dugout to watch the second half, though according to talkSPORT, he did so gingerly – and the ice pack that followed made the ankle the obvious area of concern.
talkSPORT reporter Shebahn Aherne, who was pitchside in Miami, noted the conditions playing a role: “This is miserable, this heat. Andy Robertson very cautiously and gingerly came back to the dugout to watch his team for the second half,” said Aherne.
Robertson Unsure of Availability
Robertson himself offered little reassurance when speaking to the BBC after the match. “Time will tell. Need to take a day or two to see what has happened,” said Robertson – which is either admirably measured or quietly alarming depending on your tolerance for uncertainty, and Spurs fans have had plenty of opportunity to develop that tolerance.
He did not disclose the nature of the injury and could not confirm whether he would be available for Scotland’s remaining fixtures at the tournament. Scotland’s medical staff are expected to assess him over the coming days before any further update.
The Spurs Dimension
Robertson arrives at Tottenham as the former Liverpool left-back, expected to be a meaningful presence in the defensive rebuild. An ankle concern this early is unwelcome for a club that has been formally reviewing its injury management after a difficult season in that regard.
The worry here is less about Scotland’s World Cup chances – the 3-0 defeat to Brazil makes further progress unlikely – and more about whether Robertson arrives at Spurs able to contribute from the off. That question is now on hold, with no timeline available and a two-day assessment the only concrete next step.
