Jeremie Frimpong injury forces defensive rethink for Liverpool ahead of FA Cup clash with Manchester City
Ronald Koeman has revealed that Jeremie Frimpong‘s withdrawal during the 1-1 friendly draw against Ecuador was due to injury, in yet another blow for the Liverpool defender.
Entering the friendly as a half-time substitute, his involvement was cut short after just 15 minutes, sparking fresh anxiety regarding his long-term availability.
After the game, Koeman clarified why the change was made.
“That was a blow, we had to substitute him,” Koeman said.
This latest incident is yet another in a long line of injuries since Frimpong’s big-money move to the Premier League from Bayer Leverkusen last summer.
This is Frimpong‘s third hamstring injury of the season, including a significant January absence that saw him sidelined for four weeks.
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The contrast between his past and present physical durability is stark, as prior to joining Liverpool, he had missed only 11 matches for club and country in his entire career. This season alone, that number has jumped to 25.
Who could replace Frimpong against Manchester City?
The void left by Frimpong presents a complex puzzle for Liverpool head coach Arne Slot, particularly with primary deputy Conor Bradley also unavailable due to a long-term ailment. Slot has frequently turned to an unconventional solution by dropping midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai into the right-back role.
While the move reportedly surprised Szoboszlai’s international coaches, Slot has leaned on the Hungarian’s work rate and expansive passing range to maintain the team’s rhythm from deep positions.
This tactical experiment appears set to continue as Liverpool prepares for their FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City this weekend.
While Joe Gomez remains the most natural defensive alternative within the squad, his own fitness remains a variable. Gomez was relegated to the bench during the recent clash with Brighton & Hove Albion, with the coaching staff admitting at the time that he was not fit for competitive minutes.
Although a fortnight of recovery during the international break may have improved his outlook, the reliance on Szoboszlai’s versatility shows the severity of the current defensive shortage.
Manchester City and Liverpool are set to clash in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, with kick-off confirmed for 12:45 BST at the Etihad Stadium. The fixture will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and HBO Max, with fans in the United States able to tune in at 07:45 ET / 04:45 PT.