Why Jeremie Frimpong was forced off after just four minutes as Liverpool’s injury nightmare deepens

 

 

Jeremie Frimpong’s night ended almost as soon as it began. 😔

The Liverpool right-back was forced off inside the opening four minutes of the Champions League clash with Qarabag at Anfield after pulling up while tracking back to stop a counter-attack. Wataru Endo was sent on in his place as Arne Slot’s defensive options took another hit.

Frimpong was initially seen clutching his groin before referee Ivan Kružliak waved the physios onto the pitch, but further reports suggest the issue is a hamstring injury. James Pearce later confirmed his concern, stating the Dutchman “pulled up hurt” and it looked like a hamstring problem.

Injuries have already disrupted Frimpong’s time at Liverpool, with the 25-year-old having missed 18 games for club and country since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer. While this is his first Premier League campaign and a period of physical adaptation was always expected, this latest setback could rule him out for an extended spell.

That would leave Liverpool dangerously short at right-back. Conor Bradley is already ruled out for the season after a serious knee injury, while Calvin Ramsay is unavailable for Champions League action. Joe Gomez could fill in short-term, but he too is currently sidelined with a minor issue.

As things stand, Liverpool’s senior defensive situation looks worrying:

Virgil van Dijk – available

Ibrahima Konaté – available* (personal leave)

Andy Robertson – available

Milos Kerkez – available

Rhys Williams – available* (UCL ineligible)

Calvin Ramsay – available* (UCL ineligible)

Conor Bradley – out for the season

Giovanni Leoni – out for the season

Jeremie Frimpong – injured (return date unknown)

Joe Gomez – injured (minor)

For Liverpool, it’s another defensive blow at the worst possible time. 😬