Liverpool ended their four-match losing streak in emphatic fashion with a 5-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in Champions League action, but the win was marred by injuries to key players Alexander Isak and Jeremie Frimpong. The victory came after a recent defeat to Manchester United in Premier League play.
Summer signing Alexander Isak, who arrived at Anfield for a British-record fee, was withdrawn at halftime after aggravating a groin injury. Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed the substitution was injury-related and expressed his frustration with the timing of the setback. "Let's hope it's not that bad, but he had to go off because he felt his groin," Slot said. Isak has struggled to find consistent form since his arrival, with his pre-season preparation significantly hampered. Slot acknowledged the difficulty in managing Isak's workload, stating, "Many people wanted me to play him more and we had to find the balance and unfortunately today that balance didn't work out for us perfectly". It is yet to be determined how long Isak will be out, but Slot admitted that "if he's out for a few weeks it will put him back".
Adding to Liverpool's injury woes, Jeremie Frimpong was forced off the pitch early in the game with a suspected hamstring injury. The right-back, who has already spent time on the sidelines this season with a similar issue, appeared dejected as he hobbled off the field. Slot anticipates Frimpong will be out for a "few weeks". "I expect Jeremie Frimpong definitely to be out now for a few weeks," Slot stated, highlighting the player's bad luck after recently returning from a hamstring injury. Conor Bradley replaced Frimpong.
Despite the injuries, Liverpool showcased their attacking prowess against Frankfurt. Five different players found the net, demonstrating the team's depth and resilience. The scorers included Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai.
The win against Eintracht Frankfurt marks a turning point for Liverpool after a string of disappointing results. The team's performance, particularly the attacking display, will provide a confidence boost as they navigate a congested fixture schedule. However, the injuries to Isak and Frimpong present a challenge for Slot, who will need to rely on the depth of his squad in the coming weeks. The team has been calling on U21 players to fill training sessions due to the numerous fitness concerns within the squad.
Liverpool will hope Isak's and Frimpong's injuries are not as severe as initially feared, as they aim to maintain consistency and build on this victory in their upcoming matches.
