‘Just wow’: Some Liverpool fans react as defender forced off early on international duty

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A number of Liverpool fans have taken to Twitter to bemoan Reds defender Kostas Tsimikas having to be withdrawn early in Greece’s World Cup qualifier last night.

The Anfield left-back was named in the starting XI as the Euro 2004 champions faced 2008 and 2012 victors Spain in Granada.

Greece conceded in the 33rd minute as Alvaro Morata fired home from close range, not long after Dani Olmo had struck the woodwork.

However, the visitors were handed a way back into the game when substitute Inigo Martinez brought Giorgos Masouras down in the box.

Greece were awarded a penalty and Anastasios Bakasetas duly converted to restore parity, culminating in both sides sharing the spoils.

Tsimikas put in a decent performance, making five tackles, one clearance, blocking one shot and playing three accurate long balls, according to Whoscored.

However, the Reds man was withdrawn in the 80th minute of the game as he couldn’t continue.

Tsimikas appeared to be walking fine off the pitch and the likelihood is he was suffering from cramp, but given how many injury worries Liverpool have had at the back this season, fans were understandably nervous.

Here is what some fans said on social media:

Up next for Greece is Sunday’s friendly with Honduras before wrapping up their March programme with a World Cup qualifier against Georgia.