Liverpool confirm Jeremie Frimpong injury ahead of crunch clashes

The news, confirmed by manager Arne Slot, means the dynamic right-back will miss crucial matches against Newcastle United and Arsenal.

The Reds, fresh off their Premier League triumph last season, have been busy in the transfer market, bolstering their squad with seven new faces. Goalkeepers Freddie Woodman and Armin Pecsi, defenders Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and Giovanni Leoni, attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, and striker Hugo Ekitike have all joined to strengthen the team's bid for back-to-back titles.

However, Frimpong's injury, sustained just 60 minutes into his Premier League debut during Liverpool's 4-2 win over Bournemouth, has cast a shadow over their early campaign.

"The medical team were spot on about Jeremie," Slot said in a press conference. "They felt he had an issue with his hamstring, and it was a good call to take him off. Otherwise, he could have been out for even longer. We expect him back after the international break."

The timing of Frimpong's absence is far from ideal, with Liverpool set to face Newcastle United on Monday and Arsenal the following Sunday, two fixtures that could shape their early season momentum.

Adding to the concern, fellow right-back Conor Bradley is only just returning from a muscle injury. "Conor trained with us for a few minutes today for the first time," Slot noted, hinting at cautious optimism but no guarantee of Bradley's readiness.

Slot also highlighted the squad's versatility as a potential solution, pointing out that players like Wataru Endo and Dominik Szoboszlai could fill in at right-back if needed.

"We have only two injuries at the moment, but unfortunately, they're in the same position," he said. "The good thing is others can play there. Wataru has done it before, and so has Dominik."

The injury comes at a challenging moment for Liverpool, who are navigating the departure of long-time star Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid.

Frimpong, signed from Bayer Leverkusen for 29.5 million euros, was expected to bring energy and flexibility to the right flank, with Slot praising his ability to play both as a right-back and a winger. "We brought in Frimpong because he can play right-back and right-winger," Slot had said earlier this month, referencing the need to cover for Mohamed Salah during the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

Despite the setback, Liverpool's other new signings, Kerkez, Wirtz, and Ekitike, shone in the Bournemouth victory, offering hope that the squad's depth can keep them competitive.

With a more favorable fixture against Burnley awaiting after the international break, the Reds will be eager to see Frimpong back in action, bringing his pace and flair to their title charge.

For now, Slot faces a tactical puzzle to keep Liverpool's defence solid against two of the Premier League's heavyweights.

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