- Frimpong can fill in for Salah temporarily
- Egyptian expected to miss six games during AFCON
- Slot confirms Frimpong can play right wing if needed
Frimpong joined ليفربول from باير ليفركوزن this summer in a deal worth nearly £30m. While initially signed to bolster the right-back slot following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure, Slot now sees him as a versatile option to cover for Salah. The Egyptian is set to miss several games in December and January due to his AFCON commitments with Egypt.
When asked whether he has been shaping his squad with the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in mind, Slot said: “Yes, we definitely thought about that. We brought in Jeremie Frimpong because we think he can play as a right full-back, but I also think and feel he can play as a right-winger.
“I, we, did think about the fact that we’re going to miss Mo, I think as a maximum for six games – but that’s quite a lot in the الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز, especially if you see how well he did last season. Signing Jeremie Frimpong was for multiple reasons but one of them was also that he could replace Mo if Mo is not there. There are other options for me to replace Mo with as well – but Jeremie is definitely one of them.”
Salah could miss up to six matches if Egypt go deep in the tournament. That includes key Premier League games against توتنهام Hotspur, Wolves, ليدز يونايتد, فولهام and possibly a major clash against أرسنال. Frimpong’s versatility could prove vital in maintaining Liverpool’s attacking rhythm during that crucial period.
With AFCON set to start on December 21, Slot will need to finalise his backup plans early. Frimpong is expected to get minutes in advanced roles during early matches as Liverpool will be keen on affording the Dutchman some minutes before the start of AFCON. Salah’s absence may also offer opportunities to other wide players in the squad.
