Liverpool injury update: Jeremie Frimpong, Wataru Endo, and others
Liverpool Injury Update: Concerns Grow for Frimpong, Isak, and Endo
Despite Liverpool’s ongoing success, their injury list continues to expand weekly.
The team’s recent 1-0 win over Sunderland was significant for their Champions League ambitions, with Virgil van Dijk’s second-half header ending a 12-match unbeaten home streak and closing the gap to fifth-placed Chelsea to just two points. However, this win came at a cost.
While Liverpool secured three points and a clean sheet, the ongoing defensive injury crisis deepened. Ahead of their FA Cup fourth-round match against Brighton, the latest injury updates signal further complications and necessary adjustments.
Defensive Depth Continues to Dwindle
Joe Gomez made a welcome return from a hip injury, starting on the bench before being called into action after Wataru Endo was stretchered off, visibly in distress. Endo had been filling in at right back but went down after twisting awkwardly while defending a corner.
With an inflatable cast on his lower leg, the severity of Endo’s injury was apparent. Liverpool’s coach, Arne Slot, didn’t hold back, stating, “His injury doesn’t look good. I expect him to be out for quite a long time again.”
Endo’s injury is a reflection of ongoing issues; his diagnosis is still pending, but the overarching concern remains: the team’s depth is being consistently tested.
Meanwhile, Conor Bradley’s season has come to an unfortunate end due to a significant knee injury sustained late in the match against Arsenal. Liverpool announced: “Bradley will undergo surgery in the coming days and begin rehabilitation at the AXA Training Centre. No timeframe has been set for his return.” Although he avoided an ACL rupture, he will miss the rest of the season.
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Giovanni Leoni’s situation is even more severe, as Slot noted, “He is not in a good place; he suffered an ACL tear, and will be out for around a year.” This injury is particularly disheartening given Leoni’s youth and promising debut.
While youth offers long-term hope, it does little for immediate challenges.
Frimpong’s Fitness Struggles
Jeremie Frimpong’s summer signing brought excitement, but a series of muscle injuries have hampered his progress. He hasn’t played since departing injured in the Champions League match against Qarabag.
Before the match against Manchester City, Slot confirmed that Frimpong “definitely will not train” and will not be available for selection. No new updates were available following the Sunderland fixture.
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Earlier this month, Slot tried to maintain a positive outlook: “He will be out for a few weeks, but it’s not as bad as we initially feared. That is a silver lining in a difficult situation.”
This phrase encapsulates Liverpool’s current injury landscape, searching for glimpses of hope amidst the turmoil. Frimpong’s potential return is tentatively set for February 21 against Nottingham Forest.
Impact of Isak’s Injury on the Forward Line
Alexander Isak’s injury shifted the focus in December. After scoring during Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over Tottenham, he fractured his fibula after a “reckless” challenge, as described by Slot.
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Following his surgery, Slot remarked, “It’s going to be a long recovery—several months ahead. This is a significant disappointment for him and for us.”
Isak’s absence continues to impact Liverpool’s dynamics. His movement and finishing skills added valuable variety to the team’s attack; without him, the margins for success have become tighter. Slot anticipates a return for Isak this season, potentially around March 2026, contingent upon his rehabilitation progress.
Upcoming FA Cup Challenge Against Brighton
Liverpool now faces a challenging FA Cup fourth-round match against Brighton, with several uncertainties regarding team selection and structure. While a clean sheet against Sunderland is encouraging, the broader context is crucial. The reliance on midfielders to fill in at full-back and the benching of academy players illustrate the delicate balance in the squad.
Slot’s team has displayed resilience, absorbing pressure effectively and defending well. However, fatigue and injuries are testing their limits.
Liverpool’s injury challenges are not isolated; they are interconnected issues impacting the overall season. Timely recoveries, rehabilitation updates, and training assessments are becoming just as vital as tactical preparations.
The FA Cup presents favorable opportunities but also demands adequate squad depth and readiness. The ongoing injury situation suggests that the coming weeks will be a significant test for Liverpool’s squad management as they pursue their ambitions.