Liverpool’s season continues to veer between turbulence and frustration, and Arne Slot’s hopes of stabilising the champions may hinge on receiving defensive reinforcements at a crucial moment. The Reds have slipped to ninth after dropping points late against both Sunderland and Leeds, with Ao Tanaka’s stoppage-time equaliser at Elland Road last weekend summing up a campaign defined by avoidable lapses and high-profile absences.
The mood around the club darkened further when Mohamed Salah admitted he felt Liverpool had “thrown me under a bus” after handling of his injury — remarks that added tension to an already unsettled situation. Now, with Inter Milan awaiting in the Champions League tomorrow and Brighton visiting Anfield on 13 December, the spotlight turns to Liverpool’s thin defensive unit and the potential return of Jeremie Frimpong.
Conor Bradley’s comeback at Leeds offered Slot a desperately needed natural right-back option, ending weeks of improvisation with Joe Gomez filling in. But Bradley’s availability also casts new importance on Frimpong’s recovery, as Liverpool approach the busiest period of the season with two specialist full-backs finally close to returning.
Cody Gakpo
Cody Gakpo was a surprise absentee from Liverpool’s training session on Monday and he was later not named in the squad that made the trip to Italy.
During the press conference, Slot confirmed the Dutchman is set for a spell on the sidelines.
Slot said: "And Cody Gakpo unfortunately picked up an injury in the last game we played against Leeds and he will be out for a few weeks."
The loss of Gakpo could see Slot pair Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak in attack, potentially as a strike pairing which was the case against Eintracht Frankfurt a couple of months ago.
Potential return date: Unknown
Frimpong nearing return as Slot hints at timely boost
Frimpong’s explosive pace and direct running were meant to redefine Liverpool’s right side after his summer arrival from Bayer Leverkusen. Instead, another hamstring setback suffered in October’s 5–1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt stalled his integration.
Speaking on 21 November, Slot suggested Frimpong would be sidelined “just as long” as Bradley — an estimate that pointed to a December return. The tone has since shifted more positively, with the Dutchman revealing last week that he was hopeful Frimpong would rejoin full first-team training imminently.
If he reports no setbacks this week, he could be in contention as early as Liverpool’s home clash with Brighton on 13 December. Slot will likely assess him closely before making that final call, especially given the severity of recurring hamstring issues.
Potential return date: Saturday 13 December vs Brighton (H)
Federico Chiesa
In addition to Gakpo, Federico Chiesa has not travelled with the Liverpool squad to Italy because of illness.
Interestingly though, Slot says the Italian could yet join up with the squad a few hours before the game - but stressed it’s unlikely to happen.
"Federico is ill, so that is poor timing you could say. But it's not something you can do anything about,” the Dutchman explained in the pre-match press conference.
"So, we are monitoring his situation. If he has an amazing recovery – which I, we, doctors don't expect – he might travel tomorrow. But let's have a fair expectation, that's not what I expect.
If the Italian is unable to join up with his Liverpool team-mates in Milan then he should be available to face Brighton at the weekend.
Potential return date: Saturday December 13, vs Brighton (H)
Leoni ruled out long-term after ACL tear on Anfield debut
If Frimpong’s rehabilitation brings hope, Giovanni Leoni’s situation is the opposite: a promising young centre-back whose first Liverpool appearance may be his only one this season. The Italian suffered an ACL rupture on his Anfield debut in the Carabao Cup against Southampton in September — a devastating blow for a player who had impressed staff with his composure, aggression and early adaptation.
Slot expressed both sympathy and frustration when discussing the injury, emphasising how difficult such a setback can be for a young player in a new country.
“He tore his ACL and will be out for a year. There’s never a positive side to this, but he is still so young and has many years ahead.” — Arne Slot
Leoni is expected to miss the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign, leaving Liverpool with limited rotation at centre-back during a congested winter schedule.
Potential return date: Late 2026
Key Insights
- Jeremie Frimpong is close to returning and could feature against Brighton on 13 December.
- Giovanni Leoni will miss the rest of the season with an ACL tear.
- Bradley’s return at Leeds arrived at a crucial time for Slot’s defensive plans.
- Liverpool sit ninth after conceding late equalisers in back-to-back matches.
- Frimpong’s recovery is tactically significant for Slot’s system.
What’s Next?
Liverpool travel to Inter Milan tomorrow in a high-stakes Champions League clash, followed by a Premier League test against Brighton. Slot will be desperate for defensive stability — and Frimpong’s return could arrive at precisely the right moment.
👉 Liverpool fans — which defender do you think the team is missing more right now: Frimpong or Leoni?
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