Jeremie Frimpong was substituted with a possible injury in Liverpool’s 4-2 defeat to Leeds United, and head coach Andoni Iraola has provided a key update.
The Reds blew a 2-0 lead in Chicago on Sunday evening, performing disappointingly in the second half and conceding four goals, finishing their US tour with their first loss of the summer.
Iraola gave his thoughts on the defeat, deciding to focus on a positive return for three key players in Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Ryan Gravenberch:
“I think they did really good. They played their first 45 minutes. 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. 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.”
Also speaking after the game, Iraola discussed Frimpong’s fitness after he was forced off in the second half, downplaying fears about him being injured once again:
“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.”
Liverpool’s lack of squad depth being laid bare
Thankfully, it doesn’t sound like Frimpong has suffered anything serious, but despite this, it has again highlighted what a precarious position Liverpool are in when it comes to squad depth currently.
They look threadbare in far too many positions, including at right-back, with Conor Bradley a long-term absentee and Calvin Ramsay having lots of fitness issues recently.
Liverpool also look light at centre-back, in attacking wide areas and at centre forward, and the club must now act fast and ensure that around four or five new signings come in this summer.
If not, the Reds will be playing a very dangerous game heading into the new Premier League season, giving Iraola an uphill battle, and it is a situation that can be easily avoided by the recruitment team stepping up their efforts.
