Liverpool’s hopes of signing Jeremie Frimpong this January have suffered a setback after the Bayer Leverkusen defender picked up a muscle injury in midweek. The Dutch right-back was forced off during his side’s Champions League victory over Qarabag, casting doubt on a potential move to Anfield.
Arne Slot, Liverpool’s manager, confirmed the injury and hinted that the club may now look elsewhere or hold off on a transfer. “It’s a muscle injury, but I don’t know how long that is going to be,” Slot said. “We will check on him and then decide. We have to look at both the short and long term.”
The injury adds to Liverpool’s defensive crisis, with Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni already out with long-term knee issues and Joe Gomez also sidelined. Slot acknowledged the squad depth issues but stressed the need for smart decisions in the transfer market.
“We don’t have a squad with four right-backs,” Slot added. “We have to do the smart things for the near future but also for the longer future. Let’s first see how Jeremie is.” Liverpool face Newcastle United on Saturday as they continue their Premier League campaign.
The Reds secured their place in the Champions League last-16 with a win over Qarabag, but defensive reinforcements may still be required before the transfer window closes.
