CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremie Frimpong walks off injured during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremie Frimpong walks off injured during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Andoni Iraola has allayed concerns that Jeremie Frimpong has suffered his latest injury, with Liverpool’s head coach optimistic he will not be sidelined.
Frimpong started and played 77 minutes before asking to be taken off in Liverpool’s 4-2 defeat to Leeds, raising the alarm over another potential defensive injury.
Starting at right-back, Frimpong supplied the assist for Florian Wirtz in the first half and had accumulated his most minutes in pre-season to date before his withdrawal.
Iraola, however, is hopeful that the Dutchman’s issue is related to overload rather than another injury.
“I think everyone [came through], even Jeremie who asked for the sub. I don’t think it’s an injury, just it was some overload and I hope he’s not injured,” the head coach told LFCTV after the match.
“In that way, I don’t think we’ve lost anyone.”
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremie Frimpong speaks to head coach Andoni Iraola (R) during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremie Frimpong speaks to head coach Andoni Iraola (R) during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
After missing 20 games in his debut season due to soft-tissue injuries, there is natural concern about Frimpong’s ability to string together games when he is heavily relied on.
With Conor Bradley still on the comeback trail from a serious knee injury and Joe Gomez sidelined beyond the start of the season, Frimpong is the first-choice at right-back.
The 25-year-old has played 172 minutes in the US in addition to taking part in Iraola’s intense double sessions, which is why Iraola senses his issue relates to overload.
Liverpool are on their way back to Merseyside and will have a week between friendlies, with Monaco making the trip to Anfield on Sunday.
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz celebrates with team-mate Ifeanyi Ndukwe (R) after scoring the second goal during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz celebrates with team-mate Ifeanyi Ndukwe (R) after scoring the second goal during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
In other news, Iraola also offered a verdict on his first glimpse of Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Ryan Gravenberch in match action.
“I think they did really good,” he said.
“They played their first 45 minutes, obviously Florian and Alex because they were playing the first half, they had an easier game. For Ryan, it was more costly for him.”
Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool FC v Leeds United FC
Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool FC v Leeds United FC
Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool FC v Leeds United FC
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)