Liverpool manager Arne Slot has revealed his injury dilemma at right back heading into this weekend's Premier League clash with Newcastle, with an emotional Premier League opener against Bournemouth, Joe Gomez, and Conor Bradley all missing for the trip to St. James' Park.
The Reds head into the fixture off the back of an emotional Premier League opener against Bournemouth. They defeated the Cherries 4-2, their first league game since Diogo Jota's tragic passing. Frimpong featured in the game but was withdrawn before the hour mark and will miss Liverpool's trip to Newcastle.
"Jeremie has a very positive injury record. Conor has been out once or twice last season," Slot said. "These things happen. We only have two injuries at the same moment but they are in the same position. Wata, Dominik Szoboszlai."
Gomez has had his fair share of injury struggles since joining from Charlton in 2015. His latest setback came during preseason, an Achilles issue, but he featured for the Reds against Bournemouth. However, Slot has confirmed that he couldn't train for three days, and the player won't be rushed to start.
"Joe Gomez hasn't had a setback, but he wasn't able to train three days in a row," Slot said on Gomez. "We will see where he is on Monday and if he can start. You can't prepare for injuries in one position - you can't have five right-backs. Although we do have three left-backs at the moment!"
And on academy graduate Bradley, Slot confirmed: "Conor trained with us for a few minutes today for the first time. Medical team was completely right about Jeremie to take him off because he's out until the end of the international break.
Liverpool's Jeremie Frimpong
Liverpool's Jeremie Frimpong (Image: Getty Images)
"We felt Jeremie had an issue in his hamstring - the medical team did. They were right. A good call from them, as otherwise he could have been out for even longer."
The trip to the North East comes after a drawn-out transfer saga involving Newcastle's superstar striker, Alexander Isak. Liverpool submitted a bid worth close to $140 million, but the bid was rejected despite the player signaling to the Magpies that he was ready for a new adventure.
Liverpool has maintained their interest in Isak despite splashing $106M on Hugo Ekitike, who got off to a scoring start against Bournemouth. Isak has gone as far as to release a statement on his social media to explain his intent to depart Newcastle.
Joe Gomez of Liverpool celebrates the team's victory and confirmation of winning the Premier League title after the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield on April 27, 2025 in Liverpool, England.
Joe Gomez of Liverpool. (Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
"I've kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken," Isak wrote on social media. "That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn't reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors.
"The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading.
"When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can't continue. That's where things are for me right now -- and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself."