Liverpool Injury Update: Arne Slot Provides Latest on Jeremie Frimpong | OneFootball

Liverpool Injury Update as Arne Slot Explains Jeremie Frimpong Substitution

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that Jeremie Frimpong was taken off during the opening day win against Bournemouth with a hamstring concern. The Dutch full-back, who signed from Bayer Leverkusen this summer, has already made a striking impression. He scored in the Community Shield and was handed his Premier League debut at Anfield on Friday, only to be substituted after feeling discomfort.

Frimpong was withdrawn with around half an hour remaining, leaving the pitch alongside Milos Kerkez. Their replacements, Joe Gomez and Andy Robertson, came on as Liverpool adjusted. Bournemouth took advantage of the reshuffle when Antoine Semenyo scored twice on the break to level the score at 2-2, before Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah struck late to secure a 4-2 victory.

Slot Clarifies Substitution Decision

Slot spoke after the match and explained why both full-backs were replaced.

“It wasn’t out of luxury,” the Dutchman said. “Jeremie Frimpong felt his hamstring at half-time and made a lot of sprints.

“He was doing quite well, but our other full-back, Conor Bradley, is already injured with a hamstring injury, so you don’t to take the risk of losing another full-back.

“You could argue, why don’t you play Joe Gomez there, but he only had two sessions in pre-season and could only play half an hour, so we started with Wataru Endo and our left full-back Milos Kerkez.”

Bradley is expected back before the end of the month, which will ease some of Liverpool’s defensive concerns.

Photo: IMAGO

Kerkez Catches the Eye in Premier League Bow

While Frimpong’s exit will worry supporters, Slot could take encouragement from Milos Kerkez. The Hungarian made his Premier League debut with a bold display, throwing himself into challenges and showing energy down the flank. His aggression did not go unnoticed, though he received a booking before half-time.

Slot admitted he had to act to prevent any further risk.

“[Kerkez] is a player I think the fans like because every duel he goes all in,” he said. “But when you have a yellow card already and play Semenyo, that is a risk. And if you have Robertson as a back-up, that was the reason for those two.”

Early Challenges for Slot’s Liverpool Squad

Liverpool’s title defence has only just begun under Arne Slot, yet the squad already faces injury management. The new manager, fresh from winning the Premier League in his first campaign, knows that keeping his full-backs fit will be key to sustaining momentum.

Frimpong’s pace and attacking drive have already given supporters a glimpse of why he was signed, and Slot’s cautious handling suggests the club will not take unnecessary risks. With Bradley close to returning, Robertson providing depth and Kerkez offering youthful enthusiasm, Liverpool still look well equipped to manage their defensive options while keeping their focus on the bigger picture.