Arne Slot Reveals Liverpool’s Replacement for Mohamed Salah Ahead of AFCON | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Salah Solution: Slot Reveals Frimpong Plan Amid AFCON Absence

Liverpool may have conquered the Premier League under Arne Slot last season, but defending the crown will demand even more grit, goals and clever management. As the Reds prepare for a new campaign, they face a significant challenge: how to cope without Mohamed Salah during the Africa Cup of Nations.

Salah remains one of the club’s most crucial players, a constant source of brilliance down the right flank. With his expected absence in December, questions have naturally been raised about who could possibly fill his boots during that spell.

Slot, who has already had to navigate the heartbreak of losing Diogo Jota earlier this summer, is dealing with major changes in his attacking ranks. Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez have both been moved on, and Federico Chiesa looks set to follow them out the door. It’s a new chapter for Liverpool’s forward line, and Slot is writing it with purpose.

Frimpong Tipped for a Forward Role

Asked directly about his plans for covering Salah’s absence during AFCON, Slot confirmed what many suspected.

“We definitely thought about that,” said the Liverpool manager. “We brought in Jeremie Frimpong because we think he can play as right full back, but I also think and feel he can play as a right winger.”

Photo: IMAGO

Slot was clear that Frimpong’s signing was part of a broader plan, but Salah’s absence was absolutely factored in.

“We did think about the fact we’re going to miss Mo, I think for a maximum of six games, but that’s quite a lot in the Premier League especially if you see how well he did last season,” he said. “So, yeah, signing Frimpong was signed for multiple reasons. But one was also that he could replace Mo if Mo is not there. There are other options as well, but Jeremie is definitely one of them.”

Slot Backing His Attacking Arsenal

While Frimpong may be stepping into a more advanced role, his usual position at right-back could become an issue if others are unavailable. Conor Bradley, who impressed in stretches last season, is again sidelined with injury. Should his fitness troubles continue during Salah’s time away, Liverpool will need to adapt.

But Slot doesn’t seem too concerned. Speaking with confidence, he listed a host of names he believes can shoulder the attacking burden.

“A player like Rio [Ngumoha] showed in the last few games he played for us that at senior level he can have an impact,” Slot explained. “I think, we think, we already have a lot of attacking power in our team when I think about Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, Hugo Ekitike, Mohamed Salah, Jeremie Frimpong who can play as a right winger, Florian Wirtz who can play as a left winger.

“So, I already feel I have a lot of attacking options in my current squad, but as always as a club we are looking at the chances in the market, but that can also be in the midfield or in the last line.”

Planning Ahead is Key for Slot’s Reds

Slot is not taking any chances. He knows the Premier League waits for no one, and having a plan in place for Mohamed Salah’s temporary departure shows the depth of his preparation.

Liverpool fans may feel the loss of their Egyptian icon this winter, but in Frimpong, Slot believes he has a versatile, dynamic option to help keep the goals flowing.

With sharp strategy and a manager unafraid to shake things up, Liverpool’s pursuit of back-to-back titles remains very much alive.