Liverpool have been dealt a blow as summer signing Jeremie Frimpong has been ruled out for several weeks with a groin injury, leaving the club short of specialist options at right-back.
The Dutch international of Ghanaian descent was forced off during Wednesday’s 6-0 Champions League win over Qarabag, but manager Arne Slot expressed relief that the setback is not as serious as initially feared.
The timing of the injury is particularly challenging for Liverpool, with Conor Bradley sidelined for the remainder of the season and Joe Gomez unavailable for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Newcastle due to fitness concerns.
Frimpong’s absence compounds the Reds’ defensive difficulties, highlighting the limited depth in the full-back position.
Slot acknowledged Frimpong’s injury-hit first year at Anfield, noting that he has already endured two previous spells on the sidelines.
“He is out for a few weeks but not as bad as we thought, so something positive from something not so positive,” Slot said.
Amid defensive concerns, Liverpool will welcome back centre-back Ibrahima Konate, who has missed the last three games while on compassionate leave following the death of his father.
Slot confirmed that Konate has resumed training and is expected to be included in the squad for the Newcastle match.
