Jeremie Frimpong and Wataru Endo injury latest as Arne Slot faces Nottingham Forest dilemma
Arne Slot faces a significant test of his squad’s resolve as he prepares his Liverpool side for a testing trip to the City Ground this weekend.
The Reds head into Sunday’s clash with Nottingham Forest hampered by a mounting injury list that continues to restrict the head coach’s options. This comes during a critical juncture of the campaign.
With key summer signings sidelined and a hostile atmosphere awaiting them in the East Midlands, Slot must navigate a burgeoning fitness crisis. If Liverpool are to keep their seasonal objectives on track, he will have to manage this crisis well.
Against Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Cup, the frustrated Dutchman even had to start Curtis Jones from the right-back spot, owing to the likes of Conor Bradley being a long-term injury absentee. Notably, Slot’s tactical choices were influenced by these injuries.
Jones did excel from this makeshift position, with a goal coming his way as the Reds swept the Seagulls aside with ease 3-0. Based on Slot’s comments heading into the trip to Vitor Pereira’s tricky trees, he might well have to start the 25-year-old again here on Sunday.
Slot’s latest on Jeremie Frimpong
Speaking to the media ahead of that super Sunday showdown against Forest, Slot opened up about the very latest on Jeremie Frimpong’s injury situation. The Slot discussion covered team news and injuries in detail.
When being quizzed on when the former Bayer Leverkusen defender would be back available for selection, the Premier League-winning manager stated “Jeremie will not be involved this weekend. We hope he will be available next week.”
Liverpool supporters are growing increasingly restless over the availability of summer recruit Jeremie Frimpong. Since completing his £29.5m move from the Bundesliga, the wing-back has managed just 556 minutes of Premier League action.
This is a frustrating return on a significant investment. Slot is keen to see Frimpong back in the squad.
To make matters worse for the Anfield faithful, Frimpong isn’t the only name on the casualty list. Midfield engine Wataru Endo has also been ruled out of this weekend’s fixtures, further thinning Slot’s options.
Latest on Wataru Endo
Liverpool’s midfield options have been dealt another significant blow with the news that Wataru Endo is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Slot’s leadership will be tested with these ongoing injuries.
Supporters have seen precious little of the Japan international this term. This campaign has been blighted by persistent fitness issues. These fitness problems have limited the veteran to just 491 minutes of action.
Endo’s most recent outing came against Sunderland at the turn of the month, where he turned in a characteristically tidy performance. Finishing the afternoon on Wearside with an 87% pass accuracy, it was a reminder of the composure the number three can offer. However, it now appears increasingly likely that was his final act of the season. Therefore, Slot must adapt the midfield.
The outlook is bleak. Speaking on the lower foot injury sustained at the Stadium of Light, Arne Slot didn’t pull any punches, confirming the midfielder will be “out for a long time.” At 33, and with the physical demands of Slot’s system becoming apparent, the question now being whispered around Anfield is whether the veteran will ever pull on the red shirt again.
It isn’t all doom and gloom for the Reds, however. Slot remains optimistic.
“No, Wata will be out for a long time, as I said earlier. We don’t know exactly how long – but long.” Slot said.
While the midfield situation remains precarious, there are finally some “crumbs of comfort” emerging regarding Alexander Isak. The striker’s recovery is understood to be progressing well. This provides a much-needed silver lining as the medical department continues to work overtime under Slot’s direction.
Positives emerging on Isak
Safe to say, it has been a stop-start beginning to Isak’s Liverpool career, after costing a mind-blowing £125m to snap up from Newcastle United. This transfer added depth under Slot’s management.
Only three weak goals had been put away by Isak from 16 games when his season was cruelly ended at Tottenham Hotspur in December, when clashing with Micky Van De Ven. Yet, injury difficulties had long plagued him at Anfield before this unfortunate coming together. Slot will hope Isak returns to form.
| Date | Injury Type | Duration | Games Missed |
| August 2025 | Lack of Match Fitness | 23 days | 3 |
| September 2025 | Fitness Setback | 15 days | 1 |
| October/November 2025 | Adductor/Groin Pain | 16 days | 4 |
| December 2025 | Fractured Fibia/Ankle | 100+ days | 13+ |
It has been non-stop for the injury-prone Swede since relocating to Merseyside, with a staggering 54 days missed through injury alone. This was before his serious fractured fibia moment in North London.
Thankfully, Slot did have some slight positive news to fill the media in on, regarding Isak’s road to recovery.
He stated: “Alex has been on the pitch with running shoes this week for the first time. This will still take a while.”
Unlike Endo, Liverpool fans could look forward to their out-of-luck number nine returning to action before the season is up.
With all these difficulties to address, it will be interesting to see what team Slot selects for the clash with Forest this coming Sunday. Liverpool attempt to make it four victories from their last five in all competitions at the intimidating City Ground.
