Liverpool have taken their first big injury hit on the season after losing Jeremie Frimpong to a hamstring problem.

One of the features of Arne Slot’s Reds so far has been an ability to keep players fit throughout key points of the campaign.

However, after Slot confirmed that Frimpong will be out until mid-September, the new term has started off on the wrong foot in that regard.

The Dutchman’s absence will be felt even more keenly given fellow right-back Conor Bradley has not been fit enough to play in either of Liverpool‘s first two matches.

Jeremie Frimpong: Arne Slot confirms that Liverpool right-back sidelined until after international break	International boss gives injury update on Liverpool star following Arne Slot admission	Is this the REAL reason Alexander Isak is so angry about being left in limbo at Newcastle? Plus latest on Federico Chiesa future and Jeremie Frimpong fitness: LIVERPOOL CONFIDENTIAL

Bradley has a chequered history with injury, making Frimpong a vital member of the Liverpool squad.

With both out ahead of Monday’s trip to St James’ Park, supporters will be sweating on who plays at right-back.

Thankfully, though, some good news arrived late on Thursday, with Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neil providing a hopeful assessment of Bradley’s fitness.

Photo By Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images

While football fans are enjoying the start of the new season for now, it will not be long before the first international break of the campaign rolls around.

In less than two weeks, Liverpool players will be jetting off around the world again as supporters cross their fingers and hope for them all to return fit and available.

MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES

And, despite his current issue, O’Neil has confirmed that Bradley will be one of those on the move.

“Conor’s good.

You know he’d be frustrated because his pre-season I think was going very well and, like anything, there’s such competition at a club like Liverpool that you don’t want to be injured because you have to try and find your way back into the team,” the manager said via the Belfast Telegraph.

READ MORE: Liverpool set to ignore transfer interest and keep youngster who Trent Alexander-Arnold hailed as ‘amazing’

“But he gets opportunities.

“But we anticipate that he’ll be ready to play and we’ll obviously have the dialogue with Liverpool to get their thoughts on that as well.

“Hopefully Conor can get minutes before we meet up on Sunday week.”

Judging by Slot’s comments on Thursday, there is virtually no chance of Bradley being involved on Monday against Newcastle, despite the 22-year-old featuring in parts of training.

Nevertheless, given O’Neil’s hopeful stance, perhaps Bradley will be in contention to face Arsenal the following Sunday.

This would be a boost for Liverpool given that, with Joe Gomez also struggling for fitness, they are desperately short at right-back for two hugely difficult matches.

Bradley must be handled carefully following his return.

He has been rushed back before and has had a tendency to break down again.

In that respect, perhaps Liverpool would appreciate a greater degree of caution from O’Neil here.

But, regardless, it is good news that Bradley is expected to feature in just two weeks.


For more news relating to Newcastle United, visit our sister site NUFC Latest Live.