Jeremie Frimpong injury blow halts Liverpool momentum after Frankfurt win
Liverpool's dominant 5-1 Champions League victory over Eintracht Frankfurt was overshadowed by a major injury setback, as Jeremie Frimpong suffered a recurrence of his hamstring problem that will keep him out for several weeks.
Jeremie Frimpong of Liverpool FC The Dutch full-back lasted just 19 minutes in Germany before limping off, leaving manager Arne Slot frustrated by another addition to an already concerning injury list. Frimpong had only recently returned after missing a month with the same issue earlier this season.
"It's not helpful with Alisson and Giovanni Leoni already out that I expect Jeremie Frimpong to definitely be out now for a few weeks," Slot said after the match.
"He came back from a similar injury a few weeks ago, and now unfortunately he's had to go off again."
Liverpool's comprehensive display, highlighted by goals from Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Cody Gakpo, should have been remembered for their attacking flair, including set-piece prowess and clinical finishing. Instead, attention quickly shifted to the fitness concerns piling up as the team approach a demanding run of fixtures.
Slot's options in defence are now stretched thin, with first-choice goalkeeper Alisson still recovering and young defender Leoni sidelined with an ACL injury. The manager has repeatedly warned about the physical toll of competing on multiple fronts.
"People like to talk about us having 25 to 30 first-team players, but in training we almost always need players from the under-21s," Slot explained. "That shows how challenging it can be to keep everyone fit when you play every three days."
The Reds travel to Brentford this weekend before returning to European action, and Slot confirmed that Ryan Gravenberch, who missed the Frankfurt clash with an ankle knock, could return to boost midfield options.
Frimpong's absence will likely see Joe Gomez or 20-year-old Conor Bradley step in at right-back, as Liverpool's medical team assess the extent of the damage. Hamstring injuries typically require careful management, and the club are expected to take a cautious approach to avoid further setbacks.
The loss of Frimpong is a significant blow, given his pace and attacking influence in Slot's system. Since joining from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, the 24-year-old has added energy and width down the flank, quickly becoming a key figure in Liverpool's transitional play.
Despite the injury setback, Liverpool showed improved form after emphatically ending a four-match losing streak. Slot's challenge now will be to maintain that momentum while balancing fitness and rotation through a packed autumn schedule.