Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has allayed fears over a fresh injury setback for Jeremie Frimpong, confirming the substitution in the 4-2 loss to Leeds United was precautionary. The Dutchman asked to be taken off with around ten minutes remaining at Soldier Field in Chicago, but Iraola believes it was just an overload, not a new injury.
Frimpong's fitness update
Frimpong, who endured an injury-hit debut campaign at Liverpool last season, started the pre-season friendly and claimed an assist for Florian Wirtz in the first half. However, his early exit sparked concerns, but Iraola moved to reassure fans.
Speaking after the game, Iraola said: “Jeremie [Frimpong] 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.”
World Cup stars return
Another positive from the Leeds game was the first appearances of the summer for Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, and Ryan Gravenberch after an extended post-World Cup holiday. Iraola praised their performances, noting they played their first 45 minutes.
“I think they did really good. They played their first 45 minutes,” Iraola added. “Obviously Florian and Alex, because they were playing in the first half, they had an easier game or a better game. Ryan, it was costly for him.”
Upcoming Monaco friendly
Liverpool face Monaco at Anfield on Sunday in their penultimate friendly of the summer. New signing Victor Munoz is set to be available along with Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, and Cody Gakpo. However, Alexis Mac Allister is not due back until after August 9, having represented Argentina at the World Cup final on July 19.
“Yes, he comes next week,” Iraola said of Munoz. “We spoke to him and he wanted also to come a little bit earlier than the three weeks that they have the right to have, because obviously he is coming to a new club, he will need some time to adapt, to meet his teammates. We will have him next week as soon as we arrive there, basically. It’s good news.”
“Alisson will be there from the first day. He was arriving to AXA a little bit later than Cody [Gakpo] and Virgil [van Dijk]. But he will be [there] since the first day that we arrive and will start training there in Liverpool. And Alexis will have, I think, until the Monaco game. I think deserved holidays for him; long season, long World Cup, played until the final, has played a lot of minutes. I hope he comes fully recovered and he enjoys also the break that he definitely has earned.”
