‘Not in a good place’ – Slot delivers grim injury update ahead of Brentford trip

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has delivered a worrying update ahead of the club’s weekend clash with Brentford, confirming that Jeremie Frimpong will be out for at least two weeks with a hamstring injury. The Dutch coach admitted the situation is “not in a good place”, painting a grim picture of the team’s injury list before a crucial Premier League fixture.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Slot didn’t hide his frustration. “Jeremie is not in a good place,” he said bluntly. “He’s definitely not going to play today, tomorrow, or next week. Hamstring injury — so that’s going to take a while.” His tone was somber, reflecting the blow of losing one of Liverpool’s most exciting summer signings.

Frimpong, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen for £30 million, has made an immediate impression at Anfield with his blistering pace and attacking energy down the right flank. His absence, coming just as he was beginning to settle into the rhythm of English football, is a serious setback for the team.

Adding to Liverpool’s woes, Slot also revealed that Alexander Isak and Ryan Gravenberch remain doubts for the trip to the Brentford Community Stadium. “Alex is not too bad,” Slot explained. “It’s a question mark for the weekend — we’ll have to see where he is then.” The same uncertainty hangs over Gravenberch, who missed the midweek fixture in Germany.

The coach had already admitted earlier in the week that Gravenberch’s fitness was fragile. “I had to take him off last weekend because he was limping,” Slot said. “As we could all see, he’s not ready to play yet.” With several key players nursing injuries, the manager’s options are becoming increasingly limited.

Another major concern for Liverpool is Alisson Becker, who continues his recovery from a muscle problem. “Alisson is not in the squad tomorrow,” Slot confirmed. “That’s also going to take a little bit longer.” In the Brazilian’s absence, Giorgi Mamardashvili is expected to retain his spot in goal, while Freddie Woodman is set to feature on the bench.

Frimpong’s injury has drawn particular frustration among the coaching staff, given the timing and nature of the setback. The Dutch right-back limped off during the midweek clash against Eintracht Frankfurt, clutching his hamstring in visible discomfort. Pundit Ally McCoist, commenting live on TNT Sports, warned fans it looked like a classic hamstring tear. “I was never quick enough to completely tear mine,” he joked, “but for the quick lads like him, it can take up to six weeks.”

The Liverpool medical team remains hopeful that Frimpong’s recovery will be closer to two or three weeks, but even that short absence could prove costly. His overlapping runs and link-up play have been key to Liverpool’s attacking transitions this season, especially against low-block opponents.

With Isak and Gravenberch also uncertain, Slot may have to reshuffle his tactics once again. The Dutchman’s system relies heavily on fast, dynamic full-backs and mobile forwards — both areas now under strain. It’s expected that Conor Bradley could step in temporarily for Frimpong, though it’s a significant downgrade in both speed and offensive threat.

The run of injuries couldn’t have come at a worse time. Liverpool face a congested fixture list, including critical league games and a tight European schedule. Slot has urged fans to be patient, emphasizing the need for rotation and recovery. “We can’t rush anyone back,” he said. “We need to protect our players and think long term.”

Despite the grim tone, Slot maintained cautious optimism. He praised the depth of the squad and the professionalism of those stepping up. “Every challenge brings opportunity,” he added. “We trust the group — whoever plays, we go to Brentford to win.”

Still, for Liverpool supporters, Frimpong’s injury is a worrying sign. His early-season performances had electrified the right wing and offered a new dimension to the attack. Now, the hope is that the damage isn’t as severe as feared — and that the team can stay afloat while key players recover.

As things stand, Jeremie Frimpong’s hamstring strain joins a growing list of Liverpool injuries that threaten to derail their momentum. Slot’s closing words summed it up best: “We’re not in a good place right now — but we’ll fight our way back.”