Liverpool will be without Jeremie Frimpong when the side travels to face Newcastle United in the Premier League.
Arne Slot confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Frimpong will be sidelined until the international break, leaving the Reds short of options at right-back.
Joe Gomez made a cameo off the bench in the 4-2 win against Bournemouth on the opening day, but the Englishman is still not fully match-fit, whereas Conor Bradley has only just returned to first-team training.
Frimpong opened his Liverpool account in the Community Shield but only lasted 59 minutes into his Premier League debut as he complained of a hamstring strain.
Mohamed Salah, Jeremie Frimpong and Curtis Jones celebrate a goal duing Crystal Palace v Liverpool - 2025 FA Community Shield
Photo by Michael Regan – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
However, the Reds have a sure-fire solution waiting at the AXA Training Centre who could fill the void of Frimpong’s absence, and he has a serious point to prove.
Amara Nallo can replace Jeremie Frimpong at Liverpool
Liverpool have an abundance of academy talent waiting in the wings for a first-team opportunity this season.
Slot promoted Trey Nyoni to the senior squad at the end of pre-season alongside “Premier League wonderkid” Rio Ngumoha, who have risen through the youth ranks at 18 and 16 respectively.
And now, Amara Nallo could be in line for a call-up due to the injury crisis at right-back, a name unknown to most, but he has already made his debut for the first team.
Liverpool v Athletic Club Bilbao - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Nallo emerged off the bench in the Reds’ 3-2 loss against PSV in the Champions League last season; however, his night lasted only four minutes after he was shown a red card for a professional foul on Johan Bakayoko.
The 18-year-old would not feature for Liverpool for the rest of the campaign but continued his development in the Under-21s with a string of impressive displays.
Liverpool acquired the youth talent from West Ham in 2023, and there is an overwhelming sense at the AXA Training Centre that Nallo will be the next youngster to make the step up to the senior squad.
Who else can replace Jeremie Frimpong at Liverpool?
Liverpool’s £30 million signing, Giovanni Leoni, is an option for Slot if the boss feels comfortable handing the Italian defender his Premier League debut.
The 18-year-old has played right-back a handful of times at Parma, and while it is not ideal, the Reds are hardly left with an abundance of options.
Wataru Endo proved why he shouldn’t get the call after he replaced Frimpong against Bournemouth and struggled to deal with the pace of the opposition attackers.
There is also Curtis Jones, who has performed admirably when called upon to play at right-back in the past, but admittedly he too would be in for a daunting evening at St James’ Park against his friend Anthony Gordon.