Jeremie Frimpong injury extends Liverpool’s right-back nightmare as Givairo Read emerges as summer target amid Reds’ desperate need for reinforcements at problem position
Liverpool’s right-back crisis shows no signs of abating, with Jeremie Frimpong set to miss at least another week through injury whilst coach Arne Slot continues relying on makeshift solutions to cover the position that’s plagued his side all season.
Frimpong has now missed four consecutive matches whilst completing final recovery stages from a groin injury, adding to the two separate hamstring problems that disrupted his campaign earlier.
The Athletic’s Gregg Evans reports the 25-year-old Netherlands international will likely remain unavailable for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest as the club exercise extreme caution following a frustrating sequence of setbacks.
Midfielders continue deputising as natural options remain unavailable
The ongoing void at right-back has forced Slot into creative solutions throughout the campaign. Curtis Jones filled in against Brighton, whilst Dominik Szoboszlai has also covered there at various points this season, demonstrating squad versatility even as their unfamiliarity with defensive positioning creates vulnerabilities opponents target.
Joe Gomez offers the most natural alternative when available, bringing defensive experience and tactical understanding the midfielders inevitably lack.
However, his own injury history requires careful minute management, preventing Slot from simply deploying him every match until Frimpong returns.
The personnel shortage stems directly from Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s summer departure to Real Madrid, which removed Liverpool’s long-term solution at the position.
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Conor Bradley‘s season-ending injury eliminated the primary replacement, whilst Wataru Endo‘s lengthy absence stripped away another option Slot had occasionally deployed there.
That confluence of unavailability explains Liverpool’s January transfer activity around the position. The club enquired about Inter’s Denzel Dumfries, recognising the Dutch international would provide immediate quality and experience. Those discussions never progressed beyond initial contact, though, leaving Liverpool to explore alternatives.
Negotiations advanced further regarding Lutsharel Geertruida, currently on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig, signing for the German club from Feyenoord. Liverpool held substantive talks about acquiring the defender, viewing him as a potential solution to their shortage.
However, those talks ultimately collapsed without reaching agreement, forcing the club to continue managing with their compromised options through the season’s remainder.
Feyenoord teenager Read identified as long-term solution
With immediate reinforcements unavailable, Liverpool’s attention has shifted toward summer recruitment. Feyenoord’s Givairo Read has emerged as their primary target, with the 19-year-old Dutch prospect repeatedly identifying the Premier League as his dream destination—a preference that gives Liverpool crucial leverage over competing clubs.
Bayern Munich have also registered interest in Read, confirming his talent has attracted attention from Europe’s elite.
However, his reported desire to play in England positions Liverpool advantageously in what could become a competitive pursuit once the summer window opens.
