Isak and Frimpong injury latest: Arne Slot provides update after Liverpool striker subbed early in Champions League — the Dutch manager’s post-match comments offered mixed emotions as his side cruised to victory but suffered two significant setbacks.
Liverpool’s emphatic 5-1 win in Germany ended a run of poor results and underlined their attacking strength, with five different scorers helping overturn an early deficit. Yet the evening was clouded by fresh injury concerns for two of Slot’s summer signings — Alexander Isak and Jeremie Frimpong.
Isak forced off with groin issue
Eyebrows were raised before kick-off when Mohamed Salah was again named among the substitutes, with Isak and Hugo Ekitike starting together for the first time. The Swede looked lively early on but faded as Liverpool took control through Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, both scoring from corners.
At half-time, Isak was replaced by Federico Chiesa, prompting concern from the bench. Slot later revealed the reason:
“Alex (Isak) had to go off at half-time because he felt his groin a bit. Unfortunately he had to go off, so let’s hope for the best. It’s not easy when a player is out for so long.” — Arne Slot
The Liverpool boss referenced Isak’s disrupted pre-season, during which the forward battled for fitness following his £125million move from Newcastle United. Groin problems have plagued the striker throughout his career, raising doubts over whether he will be available for Saturday’s trip to Brentford.
Fortunately for Slot, Ekitike’s strong display — scoring once and assisting another — provided reassurance that Liverpool still have depth in attack should Isak face another spell out.
Frimpong suffers fresh hamstring setback
There was further bad news as Jeremie Frimpong limped off inside 20 minutes against his former club. The right-back appeared in discomfort after sprinting for a loose ball and was replaced by Conor Bradley, who impressed in his place.
Slot confirmed after the match that the issue looks serious:
“I expect Frimpong to be out for a few weeks with this new injury.” — Arne Slot
It’s another frustrating blow for the £35million summer signing, who has already missed several weeks this season with a similar hamstring problem picked up on the opening day against Bournemouth.
The Dutch defender had only just returned to full fitness in September and featured regularly since, but his latest setback means Bradley may be set for an extended run in the starting XI.
Our View
In our view, Slot’s rotation gamble paid off in performance but not in personnel. The 5-1 win should lift morale after a difficult spell, yet losing both Isak and Frimpong — two key summer additions — exposes the squad’s fragile balance.
Liverpool’s depth is better than in recent seasons, but the physical toll of Slot’s high-intensity system is starting to show. Managing workloads, particularly for players with prior injury histories like Isak and Frimpong, will be essential in the weeks ahead.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Liverpool must tread carefully. “I think Slot’s system demands huge physical output,” he says. “Players coming off limited pre-seasons are always at risk. Isak’s groin issues and Frimpong’s recurring hamstring problems could become long-term worries if not managed properly.”
In my view, Liverpool’s depth and versatility should see them through short-term absences, but Slot will be desperate for both players to return quickly with critical fixtures on the horizon.
Key Insights
- Alexander Isak withdrawn at half-time vs Eintracht Frankfurt with a groin injury.
- Arne Slot says the striker “felt his groin” and faces a fitness race for Brentford.
- Jeremie Frimpong suffered another hamstring setback and will miss several weeks.
- Conor Bradley impressed after replacing Frimpong at right-back.
- Liverpool’s 5-1 win ends a poor run but leaves injury concerns for Slot.
What’s Next
Liverpool travel to Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday, 25 October, before facing Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup. Slot will hope scans bring good news for Isak and Frimpong as the Reds navigate a congested autumn schedule.
👉 Can Liverpool maintain momentum if Isak and Frimpong face another spell on the sidelines?
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