Jeremie Frimpong has handed Liverpool a fresh injury worry before their match against Manchester City in the FA Cup on Saturday.
The right-back was substituted at half-time during the Netherlands’ friendly against Ecuador on Tuesday, replacing Liverpool teammate Cody Gakpo. However, he only lasted 13 minutes before being taken off, raising concerns about his fitness before returning to Merseyside.
Frimpong’s Recent Injury History
Frimpong has already had two injury lay-offs this season. He picked up a hamstring problem against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League in October. Another muscle strain occurred against Qarabag in January.
The exact nature of Frimpong’s current problem is unclear. He headed straight down the tunnel after being substituted by Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman.
Liverpool’s Right-Back Options Dwindling
The 25-year-old is now a doubt for Saturday’s match against City. His participation in the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain four days later is also questionable.
Arne Slot already has limited options at right-back. Conor Bradley is out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on a serious knee injury picked up against Arsenal in January.
Dominik Szoboszlai, who played for Hungary against Greece on Tuesday, may have to fill in at right-back once again. Joe Gomez is another possible option.
Dutch Draw Marred by Concern
Frimpong was one of four Liverpool players involved in the Netherlands’ 1-1 draw with Ecuador. Gakpo and Virgil van Dijk both started but were replaced at half-time. Ryan Gravenberch was rested and remained on the bench.
- Frimpong substituted after 13 minutes.
- Gakpo and Van Dijk replaced at half-time.
- Bradley out for the rest of the season.
If Frimpong is out for a period of time, it will disrupt Slot’s plans during a busy period of the season.
Fingers crossed it was just precautionary, but seeing Frimpong head straight down the tunnel is not too promising. Liverpool needs as many players fit and available at the moment.