Liverpool's defensive injury crisis has worsened after Jeremie Frimpong limped off just minutes into their Champions League tie against Qarabag. The Dutchman clutched his groin and asked the Qarabag winger to put the ball out of play two minutes into the game, eventually being replaced by Wataru Endo.
Manager Arne Slot was already forced to start Ryan Gravenberch at centre-back due to injuries to Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez, while right-back Conor Bradley remains unavailable. After Frimpong's departure, Slot was left with only two specialist defenders on the pitch: Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson.
Slot had confirmed in his pre-match press conference that he was considering playing Endo in defence given the absences. He noted that at centre-back, he could only field a midfielder because no centre-backs were available. The Dutch manager praised Van Dijk for his fitness but acknowledged the team's defensive struggles.
