Liverpool boss Iraola hopeful Frimpong injury is only ‘overload’ after Leeds defeat

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola says he does not believe Jeremie Frimpong suffered an injury in their 4-2 pre-season defeat by Leeds United in Chicago.

The 25-year-old defender asked to be substituted midway through the second half, prompting concern for Liverpool as they continue to deal with a number of fitness problems before the new Premier League season.

However, Iraola said Frimpong’s decision to leave the field was caused by an overload rather than a significant injury.

“Jeremie asked for the sub but I don’t think it’s an injury,” Iraola told Liverpool media after the game.

“It was just some overload and I hope he’s not injured in that way. I don’t think we’ve lost anyone.”

Liverpool can ill afford another injury setback, with Joe Gomez already expected to miss the start of the campaign after suffering a muscle problem in the victory over Sunderland.

Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni are also unavailable as they continue their respective recoveries.

The defeat by Leeds brought Liverpool’s United States tour to an end, with Iraola believing the match had offered useful information despite the disappointing result.

“Obviously it’s not the result you want but I think it was probably the most useful friendly we played in a positive way in the first half and in a negative way in the second half,” he added.

“We’ve learned a lot from today and I think we can take good conclusions and solve some things.”

Liverpool had a positive first half but, according to Iraola, the difficulties they encountered after the interval also provided important lessons before the competitive season begins.

Iraola joined Liverpool in June after Arne Slot was sacked. The Spaniard is now preparing the squad for the club’s opening Premier League fixture, a visit to Newcastle United on 23 August.

Liverpool finished fifth last season and will use the remaining period of pre-season preparation to assess their squad and address the issues highlighted during the loss to Leeds.

Frimpong’s condition will be monitored before the team’s Premier League opener, although Iraola’s initial assessment suggests the defender avoided the type of injury that would have added to Liverpool’s growing list of absentees.