Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool’s defence of their Premier League title has faltered, with the Reds 19 points worse off than at the same stage last season, a swing that would have put them three points clear at the summit.
Instead, Liverpool are locked in a tight race for Champions League qualification. Manchester United’s win at Everton left them three points behind fourth and level with Chelsea in fifth.
Maximum points are now essential if they are to break into the top four, though hopes of silverware remain alive in both the FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League.
At the other end, West Ham United sit 18th, two points from safety, boosted slightly after Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest last weekend. The Hammers now travel to Anfield, where they have not won since 2015, while Forest face Brighton & Hove Albion.
Jeremie Frimpong has handed Liverpool a major boost ahead of Saturday’s clash with West Ham United after returning to training at AXA Training Centre.
The Netherlands defender has been sidelined since limping off during the 6-0 Champions League win over Qarabag on January 28, his third injury setback since joining from Bayer Leverkusen last summer.
Head coach Arne Slot has lacked options at right-back, with Conor Bradley ruled out for the season after suffering a serious knee injury against Arsenal. Midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo have all deputised, with Endo later picking up an ankle injury against Sunderland.
Jones filled in during the recent FA Cup win over Brighton & Hove Albion and again switched roles with Szoboszlai in the 1-0 victory at Nottingham Forest.
Frimpong’s return puts him back in contention as Liverpool chase a third straight league win when the Hammers visit Anfield. Youngsters Amara Nallo and Kieran Morrison also trained with the senior squad.
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— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 26, 2026
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