Dutch-Ghanaian defender Jeremie Frimpong injury scare eases as Liverpool boss offers hopeful update

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has eased fears over Jeremie Frimpong’s fitness after the Ghana international was forced off during Sunday’s 4-2 pre-season defeat to Leeds United in Chicago.

Frimpong asked to be substituted midway through the second half, raising concerns over another potential injury for the Reds, who have already been hit by several fitness problems ahead of the new Premier League season.

However, Iraola played down the incident, suggesting the right-back was dealing with fatigue rather than a serious setback.

“Jeremie asked for the sub but I don’t think it’s an injury.”

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

The update comes as a welcome boost for Liverpool, with Frimpong expected to play a key role under the Spaniard following his arrival at Anfield earlier this summer.

Injury problems continue to mount

Although Frimpong appears to have avoided a major issue, Liverpool remain short on options due to a growing injury list.

Defender Joe Gomez is expected to miss the start of the Premier League campaign after suffering a muscle injury in the recent victory over Sunderland. Meanwhile, Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni are all continuing their rehabilitation and were unavailable for the clash with Leeds.

The mounting fitness concerns have left Iraola hoping no further players are ruled out before Liverpool begin their domestic campaign later this month.

Leeds defeat offers valuable lessons

Despite the disappointing result, Iraola insisted the final match of Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the United States provided useful insight into his team’s strengths and weaknesses.

The former Bournemouth boss admitted there were positives to take from the opening half but acknowledged his side fell well below the required standard after the break.

“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.”

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

Liverpool wrapped up their U.S. tour with the defeat and will now shift their focus to final preparations for the new campaign.

After finishing fifth in the Premier League last season, the Reds open their league season away to Newcastle United on August 23, with Iraola hoping to have a healthier squad available by then.