Andy Robertson makes history after VAR scare as Liverpool handed Alexander Isak boost

The international break came to a close on Tuesday for Liverpool’s players, with six more players in action before returning to Merseyside this week.

Arne Slot will get his squad back together over the next couple of days as the Reds prepare to return to action in the Premier League, with plenty of work to do if they’re to make up ground on Arsenal in the title race.

It’s been a dramatic international break for some of Liverpool’s players, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez missing out on a place at next year’s World Cup in the most dramatic of circumstances, while others managed to secure their place at the tournament.

There was still some time left for some drama on Tuesday as the last of Liverpool’s internationals took to the stage. Here’s how they got on…

Andy Robertson

Andy Robertson captained his country in a huge winner-takes-all game against Denmark, and what a night it proved to be for the Liverpool left-back as he led Scotland to a first World Cup since 1998.

Scott McTominay's spectacular overhead kick gave the hosts the perfect start, although they were handed a major setback when former Red Ben Gannon-Doak - who had provided the assist for the goal - was stretchered off midway through the first half.

And worse was to come when Robertson gave away what looked to be a crucial penalty during the second half, having been adjudged to have fouled Gustav Isaksen inside the penalty area after a long VAR check.

Rasmus Hojlund stepped up to eqaulize from the spot, but there was plenty more drama to come as Rasmus Kristensen before Lawrence Shankland put Scotland back ahead. Patrick Dorgu would equalize again just moments later to put Denmark on the verge of qualifying.

As the game moved into stoppage time though, Kieran Tierney put Scotland 3-2 up with a superb strike, before Kenny McLean secured their place at the World Cup with a goal from inside his own half to spare Robertson's blushes on the most dramatic of nights.

Alexander Isak

Alexander Isak had to make do with a place on the bench for Sweden's final qualifier against Slovenia, despite having indicated he was ready to start after making his return from injury on Saturday.

And the striker wasn't called upon at any point by Graham Potter as his side ended a miserable qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw - although Slot will be happy to see no risks taken with Isak ahead of his return to Liverpool.

Giorgi Mamardashvili

Giorgi Mamardashvili was once again in goal for Georgia in its final qualifier against Bulgaria, although their campaign ended with more disappointment.

Georgia fell to a 2-1 defeat in Sofia, leaving them with just one win from their six games as they finished third in their group. Their World Cup hopes had already been ended ahead of kick-off, with the Nations League offering no reprieve.

Mamardashvili will now have to wait and see whether he will hold on to his place in the Liverpool side, with Alisson Becker expected to return from injury soon, and potentially back in the running to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Wataru Endo

Wataru Endo was back in action for Japan for the first time since September, and he captained his country to a comfortable 3-0 win over Bolivia in Tokyo.

The midfielder played the full 90 minutes - only the fourth time he has done that for club and country this season, having missed the last international break through injury.

Endo though indicated after the game that he isn't too happy with his lack of minutes this season, with his role at Liverpool starting to be reflected with Japan, where he has found himself slipping down the pecking order.

"I'm not completely satisfied, so first I'll go back to my club and do my best so that I can meet you again in March with a good face," Endo said after the game.

Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha

It's been a busy international break for Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha, with the Liverpool youngsters playing three games for England U19s over the past week.

After starting the 2-0 win over Lithuania and 7-0 thrashing of Latvia, both were involved again as the Young Lions hammered Scotland 4-0.

Nyoni started his third straight game and played around 69 minutes, while Ngumoha was afforded much more of a rest after starting the previous two games, with the winger making a four-minute cameo from the bench.

With Liverpool out of the Carabao Cup, it will be interesting to see whether the pair will get many more opportunities in the first-team over the next few weeks, with both potentially benefitting from some time back in the academy.

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