Liverpool right-back Frimpong to miss 'a few weeks' with muscle injury

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Liverpool's defensive worries intensified Friday when right-back Jeremie Frimpong was ruled out for several weeks because of a muscle injury.

The Netherlands international, who has dealt with several injuries in his first season at Anfield, pulled up early in Liverpool's 6-0 win over Qarabag in the Champions League on Wednesday. He was replaced by midfielder Wataru Endo.

“He’s out for a few weeks but not as bad as we thought he would be out,” manager Arne Slot said of Frimpong, an offseason signing who was seen as a long-term replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Slot didn't specify but Frimpong's injury appeared to be either his groin or hamstring.

Slot's team was already thin at right back after Conor Bradley sustained a season-ending knee injury in early January.

Sixth-place Liverpool hosts Newcastle on Saturday as the focus for Slot, who guided the club to the Premier League title last season, has turned to a top-four finish. Liverpool trails first-place Arsenal by 14 points.

Among other defenders, Joe Gomez remains out but Ibrahima Konate will be in the squad Saturday, Slot said, while midfielder Curtis Jones will be available.

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