Arne Slot has 5 options to Liverpool's largest drawback for Newcastle conflict
Liverpool go to Newcastle on Monday night time, and the absence of right-back Jeremie Frimpong has given Arne Slot a tough puzzle to try to resolve
It gained't simply be Alexander Isak who’s lacking from St James' Park on Monday night time, with the absence of Jeremie Frimpong inflicting Arne Slot a headache at a time he might have performed with out one.
The Dutchman has impressed since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen, scoring an admittedly lucky objective within the Neighborhood Protect earlier than providing tempo and width within the opening Premier League night time win over Bournemouth.
Reds followers had bemoaned Slot's determination to take Frimpong off towards the Cherries, with many claiming that his withdrawal led to the hosts shedding all momentum and permitting Bournemouth, and specifically Antoine Semenyo, again into the sport.
However with Frimpong now dominated out till after the worldwide break with a hamstring harm, the explanations behind the substitution are clearer, and there’s no doubt the Reds will miss his affect each on Monday night and towards Arsenal subsequent weekend.
READ MORE: Darwin Nunez sends one other message to Liverpool as Alexander Isak switch stallsREAD MORE: Pep Guardiola and Liverpool on collision course over £35m switch as late exodus awaits
So what does Slot do to exchange him? Effectively the choices are different, however all include their very own dangers.
In an excellent world Slot would flip to Conor Bradley to fill within the right-back position, however the Northern Irishman had a disrupted pre-season as a consequence of harm and wasn't even on the bench towards Bournemouth.
Slot mentioned that he had joined in coaching for "a couple of minutes" at his press convention on Thursday, however he may take the view that this recreation comes too quickly for him. particularly with Arsenal on the horizon subsequent weekend.
Joe Gomez can be another choice after his spectacular cameo towards Bournemouth, however Slot relatively worryingly admitted that he hasn't been in a position to prepare for 3 days in a row of late, and he’s but to begin a recreation below the Dutchman at right-back.
All of which provides the potential for a extra left-wing resolution at right-back, with Dominik Szoboszlai a dwell choice after taking part in there throughout pre-season. The Hungarian is all the time a prepared employee and would little doubt put a shift in if he began there, however there can be worries defensively.
The identical might be mentioned for Curtis Jones, who began the Merseyside derby at right-back final season, however is probably solely fitted to the position in video games corresponding to that one the place the Reds will dominate possession, one thing they aren't prone to do at Newcastle.
There may be additionally the possibility that Wataru Endo begins there after changing Frimpong towards Bournemouth, though his show didn't precisely impress or fill you with any confidence.
A tough alternative for Slot then, and one that might find yourself defining the sport.
Mirror Soccer's prediction: Gomez to begin at right-back, changed by Bradley within the second half
Article continues beneath
Be part of our new WhatsApp neighborhood and obtain your each day dose of Mirror Soccer content material. We additionally deal with our neighborhood members to particular provides, promotions, and adverts from us and our companions. Should you don't like our neighborhood, you’ll be able to take a look at any time you want. Should you're curious, you’ll be able to learn our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports activities discounted Premier League and EFL packageThis article comprises affiliate hyperlinks, we’ll obtain a fee on any gross sales we generate from it. Be taught extra
£43£35SkyGet the deal right here
Sky has slashed the worth of its Important TV and Sky Sports activities bundle forward of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and providing greater than 1,400 dwell matches throughout the Premier League, EFL and extra.
Sky will present not less than 215 dwell Premier League video games subsequent season, a rise of as much as 100 extra.