Liverpool’s preparations for their first away game of the 2025/26 Premier League season against Newcastle United have been dealt a significant blow, with head coach Arne Slot confirming that star right-back Jeremie Frimpong will miss the upcoming clash due to a hamstring injury. The news, announced during Slot’s pre-match press conference on Thursday, August 21, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the Liverpool camp, as the team will also be without their other regular right-back, Conor Bradley, for Monday’s trip to St James’ Park.
Frimpong’s Injury and Slot’s Revelation
Frimpong sustained the hamstring injury during Liverpool’s recent match against Bournemouth, forcing his early substitution. Slot praised the medical team’s decision to remove the player from the game, a move that initially drew criticism but proved crucial in preventing a more severe injury. “The medical team was completely right about it, to tell me I had to take him off,” Slot told reporters. “We felt he had an issue with the hamstring, the medical staff, and they were completely right. Good call to take him off, otherwise he would maybe have been out for longer.”
The Dutch right-back is expected to be sidelined until after the international break, ruling him out of not only the Newcastle match but also the subsequent home game against Arsenal on August 31, 2025. This setback will also prevent Frimpong from joining the Netherlands national team for their upcoming international fixtures.
Right-Back Crisis: Bradley Also Unavailable
Compounding Liverpool’s woes, Conor Bradley, the team’s other regular right-back, is not yet ready to return to competitive action despite rejoining training on Thursday. The 22-year-old has been called up to Northern Ireland’s squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg and Germany in September, suggesting confidence in his recovery timeline. However, Slot indicated that Bradley is unlikely to be fit for Monday’s match, leaving Liverpool without either of their primary right-back options.
Slot’s Plan B: Gomez, Endo, and Szoboszlai
With Frimpong and Bradley unavailable, Slot named Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo, and Dominik Szoboszlai as potential solutions to fill the right-back role. However, Gomez, who missed much of the pre-season due/An Achilles injury, is not yet ready to play a full 90 minutes, making him an unlikely starter against Newcastle. Endo, typically a midfielder, and Szoboszlai, a versatile attacking midfielder, may be called upon to adapt to the unfamiliar position, highlighting the depth of Liverpool’s current predicament.
“We’ve got options,” Slot said, though his tone suggested the challenge of navigating this injury crisis. “Joe [Gomez] is not fully ready for 90 minutes yet, but we have Endo and Szoboszlai who can step in. We’ll see what we decide after training.”
Impact on Liverpool’s Season Start
Frimpong’s absence is a significant blow to Liverpool’s early-season ambitions. The dynamic right-back has been a key component of Slot’s system, offering pace, creativity, and defensive solidity on the right flank. His injury, combined with Bradley’s unavailability, threatens to disrupt the team’s balance as they face a challenging start to the campaign, with Newcastle and Arsenal looming as formidable opponents.
The international break following the Arsenal match could provide a crucial window for Frimpong’s recovery, but Liverpool will need to navigate these next two fixtures with makeshift solutions. Slot’s ability to adapt and maximize his squad’s versatility will be put to the test, as the Reds aim to maintain their momentum in the Premier League.
What’s Next for Liverpool?
As Liverpool prepare for Monday’s clash at St James’ Park, the focus will be on how Slot manages his depleted right-back options. Will Gomez defy expectations and step up despite his fitness concerns? Can Endo or Szoboszlai seamlessly adapt to a new role? Or will Slot unearth another tactical surprise to keep Liverpool competitive? One thing is certain: Frimpong’s injury has thrown a wrench into Liverpool’s plans, and the football world will be watching closely to see how the Reds respond to this early-season adversity.