Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool face a major injury concern ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup clash against Manchester City. Jeremie Frimpong was forced off during the Netherlands’ match against Ecuador on Tuesday night.
The full-back had come on in the second half to replace his club teammate Cody Gakpo, but had to be substituted in the 59th minute for Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke.
The Netherlands started strongly, taking an early lead through an own goal by Willian Pacho. However, their momentum was disrupted in the 12th minute when a long ball evaded De Vrij, and Denzel Dumfries was forced into a last-man challenge, earning a red card.
Ecuador capitalised on their advantage, winning a penalty in the 24th minute for a foul by Flekken, which Enner Valencia converted to make it 1-1. Despite the setbacks, the Dutch side held on for a draw.
Jeremie Frimpong lasted just 13 minutes before being taken off, raising concerns over his fitness ahead of his return to Merseyside. The 25-year-old sustained a hamstring problem against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League in October, and later a muscle strain against Qarabag in January.
The right-back position has been a persistent problem for the Premier League champions since Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid last summer.
With Conor Bradley sidelined for the season and Wataru Endo – another makeshift option – also facing a lengthy spell out, Arne Slot has had to make numerous defensive adjustments.
Liverpool also failed to complete a late move for versatile defender Lutsharel Geertruida, who was identified as a player capable of covering multiple positions for the remainder of the campaign.
The Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman, confirmed he replaced Frimpong due to injury. Koeman said: “That was a blow, we had to substitute him.” Frimpong has endured several injury setbacks during his debut season at Anfield, with two separate muscle problems sidelining the former Bayer Leverkusen star for 19 matches so far this term.
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