Arne Slot explains why Jeremie Frimpong’s return is so important for Liverpool

Arne Slot has highlighted just how important Jeremie Frimpong’s return to fitness is for Liverpool, while making it clear the defender’s minutes will be carefully managed in a hectic spell of fixtures.

With games coming thick and fast, Slot admitted that the right-back area has been a particular concern this season.

“I don’t think the only position we struggled was the right full-back position,” Slot said. “I think it has been in more positions, but right full-back is probably the one that stands out most. Having Jeremie back is really nice but [managing his minutes] does go through your mind.

He pointed to Liverpool’s schedule, with Galatasaray at Anfield followed by an early kick-off against Brighton, as a key reason to be cautious. “Those things you all have to take into account, especially with players who come back from injuries. But we also know the importance of every single game.”

Slot added that this balancing act is shared by the performance staff, the player and himself, but it is a challenge he welcomes. “I prefer to have this problem – to manage how many minutes I have to give him – than to see him with the medical staff doing his recovery.”
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