Frimpong's Fresh Knock Leaves Liverpool's Right-Back Riddle in Tatters Ahead of City and PSG Clashes
Liverpool right-back Jeremie Frimpong suffered an injury scare during Netherlands duty, exiting a friendly after just 12 minutes and casting doubt over his availability for crucial clashes with Man City and PSG. With Conor Bradley out long-term and options thin, Arne Slot faces another reshuffle, likely turning to Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back. Positives include potential returns for Salah and Alisson, as reported by Evening Standard.
Frimpong's Fresh Knock Leaves Liverpool's Right-Back Riddle in Tatters Ahead of City and PSG Clashes
Picture this: you're Arne Slot, Liverpool boss, finally getting your teeth into a debut season at Anfield, only for the universe to keep kicking you in the shins – or in this case, the right-back position. The latest twist came courtesy of the Netherlands' friendly against Ecuador, where Jeremie Frimpong subbed on at half-time and barely broke a sweat before limping off after just 12 minutes. Dutch gaffer Ronald Koeman didn't mince words post-match: it was a proper blow, no tactical sub here.
As reported by the Evening Standard via OneFootball, Frimpong headed straight down the tunnel, replaced by Brighton's Jan Paul van Hecke. No word yet on the damage, but with Liverpool facing a Premier League showdown at the Etihad against Man City on Saturday, followed by the Champions League quarter-final first leg versus PSG, the timing couldn't be worse. Slot's due to spill the beans in his pre-match presser later this week, ahead of the FA Cup quarter-final – yes, that's the one against City too. Doubleheader from hell, anyone?
Defensive Headache: A Right-Back Revolving Door
Let's not sugarcoat it – Liverpool's right flank has been a comedy of errors this season, more revolving door than reliable defence. Conor Bradley is sidelined for the rest of the campaign with a knee job, leaving Joe Gomez as the lone natural option. But Gomez nursed a niggle before the international break, sitting out the 2-1 loss to Brighton and needing rest.
Enter the improv artists: Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones have moonlighted at right-back, with Slot particularly fond of shoving the Hungarian midfielder there. Szoboszlai's engine and passing from deep have made it work, sort of – even if it raises eyebrows with his Hungary boss. Wataru Endo has had a stint too, but he's currently crocked. And don't get us started on Calvin Ramsay, the forgotten man on the bench since December. Slot's admitted he's not in the pecking order.
Frimpong himself? Blimey, the lad's had a rough ride since swapping Leverkusen for Liverpool. Three hamstring hits already, sidelining him for 25 games this term alone. Before Anfield, he'd missed just 11 in his whole career. Talk about Anfield's injury black hole.
Silver Linings and Slot's Tactical Jenga
It's not all doom and gloom, mind. Mohamed Salah and Alisson Becker skipped international duty after missing the Brighton defeat, so fingers crossed they're primed for the run-in. Hugo Ekitike wait, no – that's PSG. For the Reds, Ibrahima Konate came through France duty unscathed, and skipper Virgil van Dijk bossed both Netherlands friendlies against Norway and Ecuador.
Slot's got form in this department, piecing together a backline like a mad Jenga tower. Expect Szoboszlai to slot in again if Frimpong's out longer, blending midfield flair with defensive grit. Gomez could return refreshed, but it'll be a squad squeeze with these blockbuster ties looming.
Liverpool fans, you've weathered worse – remember the Trent Alexander-Arnold era of makeshift fixes? Slot's adapting, but this right-back curse feels personal. Will Frimpong bounce back quick, or is it another spell on the naughty step? Slot's presser can't come soon enough. Keep an eye on TheFootball.News for the latest – we'll be here, pints in hand, dissecting every twist.