Liverpool Damage Replace: Jeremie Frimpong and Alexander Isak and Extra
Liverpool’s push for a Champions League place took a knock with a 2-1 stoppage time defeat to Manchester Metropolis at Anfield. The outcome tightened the margins within the high 5 race and left Arne Slot juggling availability throughout key positions. There have been no recent damage issues from the match itself, although Dominik Szoboszlai, who scored from a free kick, was seen hobbling earlier than half time and later obtained a purple card for denying Erling Haaland a transparent goalscoring alternative.
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His suspension removes a inventive outlet for the following fixture and compounds a wider concern on the best aspect of defence, the place Liverpool are already with out their two most well-liked choices. Squad administration now turns into every week to week train, with minutes, restoration and danger rigorously balanced.
Jeremie Frimpong Restoration Timeline
Jeremie Frimpong’s first season at Liverpool has been punctuated by health setbacks. The summer time arrival was pressured off early throughout the 6-0 Champions League win over Qarabag with a muscle damage and has not but returned to full coaching. Forward of the Metropolis sport, Slot confirmed the Dutchman would “undoubtedly not practice” with the squad.
After the ultimate whistle at Anfield, Slot offered a firmer outlook. “Jeremie for certain [will not play against Sunderland]. We knew that when he received injured, it was a couple of weeks.” Earlier, he had supplied a barely brighter notice: “He’s out for a couple of weeks,” the Liverpool boss mentioned. “However [it’s] not as unhealthy as we thought he could be out. It’s one thing constructive from one thing not so constructive.”
Photograph IMAGO
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Liverpool are concentrating on a possible return away to Nottingham Forest on February 21, a date that will restore a pure proper again choice and ease the load on makeshift options.
Alexander Isak Rehab Progress
Alexander Isak’s absence has been felt within the attacking rotation since he suffered a fractured fibula after scoring within the 2-1 win at Tottenham earlier than Christmas. The Swedish worldwide required surgical procedure on his ankle and leg following a heavy problem by Micky van de Ven, one which Slot described as “reckless”.
The supervisor has been clear concerning the timeline. “It’s going to be an extended damage, for a few months,” mentioned Slot, who expects Isak to function once more earlier than the top of the marketing campaign. “It’s an enormous disappointment for him and, because of this, for us.”
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A March 2026 return stays the working projection. If realised, Liverpool would regain a ahead able to stretching defences and sharing the scoring burden throughout a decisive section of the season.
Defensive Depth and Bradley Blow
In defence, Liverpool proceed to navigate a skinny roster. Joe Gomez’s hip downside, sustained at Bournemouth, left Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate as the one senior centre backs obtainable. Slot admitted a fast comeback is unlikely. “I don’t count on Joe again for Wednesday, however you by no means know.,” he mentioned. “Then he’s again from being out for 3 weeks, would you play him now?” Brighton at residence on February 14 is a tentative goal.
Conor Bradley’s scenario is extra definitive. A major knee damage suffered at Arsenal required surgical procedure, with the membership stating: “Liverpool FC can verify Conor Bradley has sustained a big knee damage. The suitable-back suffered the problem within the latter levels of Thursday night time’s Premier League fixture away at Arsenal. Bradley will bear surgical procedure within the coming days after which start a interval of rehabilitation on the AXA Coaching Centre. No timeframe is being positioned on his return to taking part in at this stage of the method.” His anticipated comeback sits in summer time 2026.