Liverpool's defensive woes have deepened with Jeremie Frimpong facing another spell on the sidelines. The Dutch defender sustained an injury early in the Champions League match against Qarabag, limping off the pitch just four minutes into the game. This setback compounds an already significant injury crisis for Liverpool, leaving manager Arne Slot with limited options at the back.

Frimpong's recent injury is a hamstring issue, a recurring problem that has plagued him since his arrival at Liverpool in the summer. He has already missed 18 games this season due to injury and had only recently returned from a two-month layoff in mid-December.

This latest setback occurred on January 29, 2026, during Liverpool's European league phase finale against Qarabag. With Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez also unavailable, Slot was already forced to start a midfielder at center-back. Ryan Gravenberch partnered Virgil van Dijk in central defense for the match. Frimpong's injury then forced Slot to substitute another midfielder, Wataru Endo, into the right-back position.

Frimpong's Liverpool career has been marked by frustration. After a promising start, his debut in the Premier League during a 4-2 victory against Bournemouth on August 15, 2025, was cut short due to injury. This initial setback sidelined him for over four months. Upon his return, a Champions League appearance against Eintracht Frankfurt on October 22 was also brief, lasting only 19 minutes before a hamstring issue resurfaced.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Frimpong, 25, has expressed his frustration with the injuries, stating, "I've been injured for a long time, and I just want to play football". He acknowledged the emotional toll of being on the sidelines and how unfamiliar this situation is for him. "Yes, it was really tough being injured, you know, because, touch wood, I'm not really the kind of guy that gets injured. So, it's really difficult for me to deal with, but I've got my family around me, so that was good," he said. He also said that it has been an unlucky start for him but he is healthier now.

Liverpool's defensive problems are further exacerbated by Conor Bradley's long-term knee injury, sustained earlier in January during a goalless draw against Arsenal, which has ruled him out for the remainder of the season.

With Frimpong and Bradley both sidelined, Liverpool's right-back options are severely limited. In light of these circumstances, Slot has indicated that Andy Robertson is expected to remain at the club, despite rumors of a potential move to Tottenham Hotspur. Slot needs Robertson to support Milos Kerkez.