Liverpool have kicked off their Premier League campaign in impressive fashion, bringing fans both relief and excitement. Unlike previous seasons plagued by constant injury setbacks, Arne Slot’s squad has remained largely healthy. At the moment, only two players — Jeremie Frimpong and Alexis Mac Allister — are on the injury list, which is encouraging news for a team chasing trophies on all fronts. In football, titles often hinge not just on talent but on how well a club keeps its stars fit during the crucial early stages of the season.
The thrilling 3-2 win over Newcastle at St James’ Park highlighted the Reds’ strength when the squad is nearly at full capacity. Liverpool displayed intensity, resilience, and their trademark fighting spirit. Fans were even more delighted that no new names were added to the injury table after such a demanding game. Newcastle, by contrast, suffered heavy blows as Fabian Schar, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton all picked up injuries, leaving Eddie Howe with a nightmare scenario while Slot’s men celebrated survival and momentum.
Still, the absences of Frimpong and Mac Allister remain significant. Frimpong, who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen with high expectations, had already won supporters over with his speed and fearless attacking runs down the right flank. But against Bournemouth, after several exhausting sprints tracking Antoine Semenyo, he felt discomfort in his hamstring and was substituted at half-time. Slot later confirmed it was not a tactical change but a precaution, as the player was in visible pain.
Fortunately, updates on Frimpong’s condition have been reassuring. The injury is not considered serious, but Liverpool are unwilling to rush his return. To avoid aggravating the hamstring, the club has ruled him out until after the September international break. He is expected back around September 14 when Liverpool face Burnley — a manageable absence that spares fans from the fear of another long-term setback.
The situation with Mac Allister is slightly different. The Argentine midfielder, who has already impressed since joining from Brighton, has been dealing with recurring issues since last season. His disrupted pre-season meant he was already behind in fitness levels. Although he featured in the opener against Bournemouth, his omission from the squad against Newcastle surprised many fans. Slot explained that he had picked up a minor knock in training and, given his lack of base fitness, it was too risky to involve him in a high-intensity fixture.
Slot stressed that protecting players at this stage is about the bigger picture. Pushing Mac Allister too soon could lead to more serious problems. Instead, the manager opted to leave him out entirely, with hopes of having him ready for the clash against Arsenal on August 31. His return would provide much-needed creativity and control in midfield, boosting Liverpool in another crucial fixture.
