Jeremie Frimpong was left out of the Netherlands squad for this summer’s World Cup, with manager Ronald Koeman unconvinced by “the pattern of this season.”
The Netherlands announced their 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday, with Frimpong the most notable absentee.
It came after a disappointing first campaign at Liverpool with the right-back struggling with fitness issues unlike any season before in his career.
Speaking at a press conference on the unveiling of his squad, Koeman acknowledged “the pattern of this season” with Frimpong and suggested his mind had been made up by a 14-minute appearance in March.
Jeremie Frimpong, Netherlands pictured (Joris Verwijst/PA)
“It is the pattern of this season that he has been injured regularly,” he told reporters per Voetbal International.
“Against Ecuador he came on as a substitute and was taken off again very quickly.”
But Frimpong’s absence also comes with Koeman turning to different options at both right-back and on the right wing, with Mats Wieffer receiving his first call-up in a year and Crysencio Summerville included for the first time.
“So that is a physical issue, but I also chose someone else as right winger. Summerville,” Koeman continued.
“That comes as no surprise to me, because I wanted to select him back in March.
“I like those kinds of players, players who are reliable in their game. He can also play very well on the right side, but he is particularly good in his work ethic.”
On Weiffer’s return to the squad he said: “I see him more as a right-back than as a midfielder now.”
Frimpong is therefore out of contention not only due to his fitness but also seemingly his form, with Koeman simply preferring other players.
Why Jeremie Frimpong’s World Cup snub should benefit Liverpool
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, January 27, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremie Frimpong during a training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between Liverpool FC and Qaraba? FK. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
It is a blunt assessment of how far the 25-year-old has dropped since his £29.5 million move from Bayer Leverkusen, but should act as motivation for his second campaign at Liverpool.
Not being involved at the World Cup at least allows Frimpong to recharge and focus on his conditioning before taking part in a full pre-season.
Last summer’s preparations were far from normal, with sessions delayed due to the tragic death of Diogo Jota, which will have made the adjustment for Liverpool’s new signings even more difficult.
Frimpong will head into the summer knowing Conor Bradley is not yet fully fit and Mo Salah has now departed, with a big opportunity in the warmup friendlies in either role on the right flank.