Liverpool eye Jeremie Frimpong to fill Salah void during Africa Cup of Nations

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has identified summer signing Jeremie Frimpong as a potential stand-in for Mohamed Salah during the Egyptian forward’s absence at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) later this season.

Salah, a pivotal figure on Liverpool’s right wing, is expected to miss up to six matches in December and January while representing Egypt at the continental tournament.

His absence comes during a period of significant transition for the club’s attack, with Slot already managing the departures of Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez, while Federico Chiesa is also poised to leave.

The reshaping of Liverpool’s forward line has been a central task for Slot since his arrival, with the Dutchman determined to maintain attacking potency despite losing key personnel.

The addition of Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen was widely viewed as bolstering the right-back position, but Slot revealed that the 23-year-old’s versatility was also a factor in the decision.

“We’ve really thought about it,” Slot said when asked how he plans to cover Salah’s absence. “We signed Jeremie Frimpong because we know he can play at right-back, but I also believe he can be effective as a right winger.”

Slot acknowledged that Salah’s absence will be keenly felt, highlighting the forward’s influence in the Premier League last season. “We thought about Mo’s absence — I think for a maximum of six games — but that’s a lot in this league, especially considering his performances last season,” he said.

While Frimpong is not the only option under consideration, Slot confirmed the Dutch-born Ghana international is firmly in his plans for the period.

“There were several reasons for signing Jeremie,” he explained. “One was that he could step in for Mo if needed. There are other options as well, but Jeremie is definitely one of them.”

The January AFCON tournament often tests Premier League squads with key African players unavailable, and Liverpool have historically been among the most affected.

Salah’s goals and creativity from the right flank have been instrumental in the club’s domestic and European campaigns, and finding a reliable temporary replacement is seen as crucial to maintaining their title ambitions.

Frimpong’s attacking instincts and pace offer Slot a different profile compared to Salah but one that could help maintain Liverpool’s high-intensity approach. At Leverkusen, the Netherlands international excelled as an advanced wing-back, contributing both goals and assists, and Slot appears confident that those attributes can be adapted to a more attacking role when required.

The manager’s remarks underline Liverpool’s strategic approach to squad building this summer, with versatility and tactical flexibility at the forefront. As the season progresses, Slot will have to carefully manage his resources, particularly with Salah’s mid-season departure looming.

With the new campaign about to begin, attention will turn to how quickly Frimpong can integrate into the side — both in his expected defensive role and, if called upon, as a direct attacking replacement for one of the most prolific players in Liverpool’s modern history.