Liverpool's commanding 6-0 victory over Qarabag in the Champions League was marred by yet another defensive injury, prompting manager Arne Slot to hint at potential late transfer activity before the January window closes.
Frimpong Injury Adds to Defensive Crisis
Dutch defender Jeremie Frimpong was forced off during Wednesday's European clash with a muscle problem, joining an already extensive list of sidelined Liverpool defenders. The Reds are currently without Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni due to long-term knee issues, while versatile defender Joe Gomez also remains unavailable.
Slot provided an update on Frimpong's condition, stating: "It's a muscle injury, but I don't know how long that is going to be. It's a muscle so it's not a knee injury and a muscle usually has to do with overloading a player."
Transfer Market Considerations
With Liverpool now lacking a conventional right-back, attention has turned to whether the club will make a January signing. Slot's comments suggest the possibility remains open, though he emphasised the need for prudent decision-making.
"We as a club always make decisions that we, at least, think are smart decisions," Slot explained. "So we not only look at the short term, we also look at the long term, longer term - that's why we sign young players as well, very good players but young ones that can still develop."
The Liverpool manager outlined the club's transfer philosophy, noting that any potential signing would need to meet multiple criteria: "It always depends on are there players available that we think can help us? And if they are, can we afford them? And does this also be helpful for the longer-term future because our players come back from injury as well?"
Squad Balance and Future Planning
Slot highlighted the importance of maintaining squad balance while addressing immediate needs, stating: "I just said we don't have a squad where we have four right-backs and 12 midfielders and three or four No.9s - that's not how it works over here. So we have to do the smart things for the near future but also for the longer future."
The Liverpool boss indicated that Frimpong's exact recovery timeline would influence any transfer decisions, adding: "Let's first see how Jeremie is. Maybe he's not able to play Saturday but maybe he's able to play one or two days later. We now go into a schedule with one game a week, so that would usually mean less injuries but you're never sure."
Champions League Progression Secured
Despite the injury concerns, Liverpool secured their place in the Champions League last-16 with an emphatic victory. Alexis Mac Allister scored twice, while Florian Wirtz, Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike and Federico Chiesa all found the net in the comprehensive win.
The Reds now turn their attention to Premier League action, hosting Newcastle United at Anfield on Saturday evening as they continue their pursuit of domestic and European success this season.
