Arne Slot delivers detailed injury update and transfer insight ahead of Newcastle clash
Arne Slot has handed Liverpool a timely fitness boost ahead of Saturday’s clash with Newcastle United after confirming Jeremie Frimpong’s injury is far less severe than first feared and will sideline him for only “a few weeks”, rather than months.
Speaking at the AXA Training Centre with the January transfer window entering its final stages, the Liverpool head coach revealed that the Dutchman’s setback is “not as bad as we thought”, even though Frimpong will miss the Anfield encounter this weekend.
“He’s not in the squad tomorrow, so he’ll be out for a few weeks,” Slot explained via Liverpool FC’s YouTube channel. “But it’s not as bad as we initially expected.”
Frimpong’s absence still leaves Slot facing an immediate selection dilemma, with no natural right-back available against Newcastle. The Liverpool boss may again be forced to improvise, with Wataru Endo a strong candidate after filling several roles in recent weeks, while Dominik Szoboszlai is another possible solution.
Slot updates on Konate, Jones, Gomez and Isak
Slot also brought encouraging news on Ibrahima Konate, confirming the French defender has returned to training and is expected to be involved this weekend.
“Ibou trained with us yesterday and today, and he’ll be in the squad tomorrow,” he said.
Curtis Jones is also back in contention after recovering from illness. “Curtis is available again,” Slot confirmed.
Joe Gomez, however, remains unavailable, although there is optimism his return is not too far away. “Joe won’t be available, but it shouldn’t take much longer,” Slot added.
The update on Alexander Isak was far less positive, with the striker still some distance from a comeback. “No, he’s not even on the pitch yet,” Slot admitted. “He’s just out of his walker, so it’s going to take a while before he’s back.”
Slot also touched on the delayed returns of Jayden Danns and Stefan Bajcetic, stressing the importance of patience after their repeated injury setbacks.
Slot’s stance as the transfer deadline nears
As expected, questions also turned to transfers, and Slot reiterated Liverpool’s cautious approach with the deadline approaching. The message remained consistent: the club will only act if the right opportunity presents itself.
“If we think there’s a player who can help us and it’s possible, then we would do it,” he said, stopping short of hinting at any late-window scramble.
That stance feels particularly significant given Liverpool’s domestic struggles, even as European form has offered encouragement. Slot will hope the momentum from the Qarabag win can now translate into a Premier League run that pulls the Reds back into the top-four conversation.
