Arne Slot Gives Worrying Jeremie Frimpong Injury Update as Liverpool Injury Crisis Deepens

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has delivered concerning news on Jeremie Frimpong's latest injury, compounding the club's deepening defensive woes during a Champions League match against Qarabag[1][2][3]. The Dutch right-back, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen last summer for a reported £35 million ($375 million), was forced off after just four minutes, appearing to suffer a groin issue before being replaced by Wataru Endo[1][3].

Frimpong's debut 2025-26 season has been plagued by recurring muscle problems, primarily hamstring-related, sidelining him for 18 matches across club and international duty. He previously missed 12 consecutive games over two months at the end of the previous year, hindering his integration into the squad[1][2][3]. Liverpool's defense is already stretched thin, with long-term absentees Joe Gomez, Conor Bradley, and Ibrahima Konate out, leaving Slot short on options[1][3].

In a pre-match press conference, Slot addressed the squad's injury crisis candidly: "We might be one or two players short compared to last season, and with three long-term injuries, it suddenly feels like a significant loss." He questioned whether the team could expand resources amid the challenges, hinting at the impact on their title defense after last season's success[1][3].

Despite the setback, Liverpool were on course for a comfortable win over Qarabag, which would secure direct progression to the Champions League last 16 and ease fixture congestion ahead of tough Premier League clashes with Newcastle and Manchester City[1][2][3]. Frimpong's absence looms large as Slot navigates this critical phase with a depleted backline.

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