Arne Slot faces difficult decision as Liverpool star sends eight-word message

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Arne Slot head coach of Liverpool instructs Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Burnley and Liverpool at Turf Moor(Image: 2025 Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA)

Jeremie Frimpong made a welcome return from injury for Liverpool against Burnley, with the Netherlands international wasting no time in making his presence felt at Turf Moor.

The full-back was introduced in place of Ibrahima Konate in the 87th minute as Arne Slot’s side went all out in search of a winner.

Having scored on his Reds debut against Crystal Palace in the Community Shield, the 24-year-old was unfortunate not to open his Premier League account within moments of being brought on against the Clarets.

Picked out by fellow substitute Rio Ngumoha in the box in stoppage time, Frimpong ultimately hesitated before firing high straight at Martin Dubravka.

With a little more composure, the full-back could have been Liverpool’s match-winner.

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Yet he played a vital role in the Reds snatching a late victory soon after, as he won a last-gasp penalty after seeing Hannibal Mejbri handle his cross in the box - gifting Mohamed Salah the chance to snatch all three points with a 95th-minute penalty.

Frimpong had missed Liverpool’s last two matches after suffering a hamstring injury on the opening day of the season against AFC Bournemouth.

After four weeks on the sidelines, he was inevitably delighted to make his return.

Huge three points”.

In truth, his return could be most timely for Liverpool and for Slot.

Dominik Szoboszlai started at right-back against Burnley, having shone in the unfamiliar position against both Newcastle United and Arsenal in the absence of Frimpong and Conor Bradley.

But both full-backs are now available again after injury and came on as substitutes at Turf Moor after seeing Szoboszlai selected to start ahead of them.

However, the Hungarian was pushed into his natural midfield position at half-time as Alexis Mac Allister succumbed to an ankle injury.

While it is not thought to be serious, Slot would admit that Liverpool are having to manage the Argentine carefully following a lengthy injury lay-off that saw him miss the end of last season.

With Curtis Jones also absent for the trip to Burnley because of injury, the Reds’ deeper midfield options are becoming slightly limited.

Wataru Endo and Trey Nyoni were both unused substitutes against the Clarets and remain Slot’s only other senior options.

Consequently, the sight of an available Frimpong is certainly a welcome one for Liverpool, with Szoboszlai freed up to return to his favoured midfield berth as a result.

While the Reds have been somewhat fortunate on the injury front so far this season, suffering only minimal absences, they have come into positions which have seen Slot sidestep selection quandaries in the process.

Firstly, who starts at right-back with Szoboszlai now establishing himself as an option alongside Frimpong, Bradley and Joe Gomez?

But also who starts at number eight alongside Gravenberch, with Szoboszlai vying with Mac Allister and Jones for a starting berth?

Meanwhile, the arrival of Alexander Isak on transfer deadline day will prompt a similar battle with the likes of Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo when the Swede builds up match fitness.

Slot has not had to address such dilemmas in the opening weeks of the season, but such decisions are now only around the corner.

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Frimpong is ‘back in his favourite place’, and soon the likes of Isak and Jones will be too.

Liverpool are about to enjoy the full fruits of their labour after a £450m spending spree this summer, and with it, Slot knows he will have some difficult decisions to make.