Jeremie Frimpong could be facing a fitness concern after Arne Slot revealed why he brought Liverpool’s new right-back off after an hour against Bournemouth.
Frimpong made his Premier League debut in Liverpool’s 4-2 fightback win over Bournemouth, but despite a bright display was brought off in the 61st minute.
The Dutchman was replaced by Wataru Endo, with Joe Gomez later taking over at right-back, with the performances of both highlighting the need for Slot’s specialists to stay fit.
But speaking to Sky Sports after the victory at Anfield, the head coach revealed that Frimpong “felt his hamstring at half-time” and no risks were taken.
“That wasn’t out of luxury,” Slot said when asked why he brought off both Frimpong and Milos Kerkez at the same time.
“That was because Jeremie Frimpong felt his hamstring at half-time and made a lot of sprints.
“He was doing quite well, but the other right full-back Conor Bradley is already out with an injury, so we don’t want to take the risk of losing another full-back.
“Then you could argue ‘why don’t you play Joe Gomez there?’, but he only had two sessions in pre-season so he wasn’t able to play half an hour, so we started with Wata.”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Friday, August 15, 2025: Liverpool's Milos Kerkez is replaced by substitute Wataru End? during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and AFC Bournemouth at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The decision to substitute Kerkez was clear, with the left-back already on a booking and throwing himself into challenges which could earn him another.
“Our left full-back, Milos Kerkez, is a player that I think the fans like – because every duel he goes all in!” Slot continued.
“But when you have a yellow card already and you play Semenyo, that’s quite a worry.”
On his call to withdraw Man of the Match Hugo Ekitike with 72 minutes on the clock, Slot said: “He came later in pre-season, has to adapt – as I think I can say Liverpool is a bigger club than Frankfurt!
“The league is probably more intense as well, so for him to be able to play 70 is already a big bonus after being two or three weeks here.
“So that’s where we are at the moment, because we lost some players!”