Liverpool's Defensive Woes Deepen with Frimpong Blow
Liverpool's emphatic 6-0 Champions League victory over Qarabag on Wednesday was overshadowed by another defensive injury setback, with manager Arne Slot delivering a mixed update on Jeremie Frimpong's condition.
Frimpong Ruled Out for Several Weeks
The 25-year-old defender was forced off during the first half of the European encounter, compounding Liverpool's existing defensive crisis that had already seen Ryan Gravenberch deployed as a makeshift centre-back. Slot confirmed the Dutch international will be absent for the immediate future.
"He will definitely not be in the squad for tomorrow," Slot revealed during his pre-match press conference. "He's out for a few weeks, but not as bad as we thought he would be out. So something positive from something not so positive."
Konate Returns Amid Defensive Concerns
In more encouraging news for the Reds, Ibrahima Konate is set to make his return to the squad for Saturday's Premier League clash against Newcastle at Anfield. The French defender has missed Liverpool's last three matches following the passing of his father.
"Ibou trained with us yesterday, trains with us today and will be in the squad tomorrow," Slot confirmed, providing a significant boost to Liverpool's defensive options.
Curtis Jones also returns to availability after illness, though Joe Gomez remains sidelined for the weekend fixture. "Joe will not be available, but that doesn't have to take much longer anymore," Slot added regarding the versatile defender's recovery timeline.
Long-term Absences Continue to Trouble Reds
Liverpool's injury concerns extend beyond immediate squad selection, with several players facing prolonged rehabilitation periods. Alexander Isak continues his recovery from a broken leg, with Slot confirming the striker remains some way from returning to training.
"He's not even on the pitch yet," Slot explained. "He's just out of his walker. That tells you that he's not on the pitch yet and we are not expecting him out on the pitch today or tomorrow. In terms of his recovery work, it's going to take a while, as we knew."
Danns Suffers Untimely Setback
Further disappointment comes with news that Jayden Danns has suffered another injury setback at a crucial moment. The young forward would have been in contention for selection during Isak's absence but faces another period on the sidelines.
"He'd have definitely been in the squad but unfortunately, he isn't," Slot lamented. "We don't expect him back today or tomorrow as well. He's been very unlucky in his career until now."
Despite the persistent injury problems, Slot praised Danns' resilience: "The good thing about him is that he has a great mentality, so he's always fighting himself back after setbacks. Unfortunately, he's had quite a lot because this would have been a great moment for him."
Bajcetic's Frustrating Recovery Continues
Stefan Bajcetic's return to first-team action remains uncertain as the young midfielder experiences recurring setbacks in his rehabilitation. Slot acknowledged the need for patience with the Spanish prospect.
"He's not training yet," the Liverpool manager confirmed. "So, he constantly gets close to the team and then he has a little setback and then comes close and has a little setback, so we're hoping and expecting to have him very soon, again."
Slot emphasised the need for careful management: "But at that moment of time he trains with us again, then he's been out for six, seven, eight months [with] no first-team training. So, as much as I'd like to have him back, we have to manage the expectations with him as well."
The injury updates present a complex picture for Liverpool as they prepare for their Premier League encounter with Newcastle, with defensive reinforcements arriving alongside significant ongoing absences that will test the squad's depth in the coming weeks.
