Liverpool's perfect record in pre-season came to an end on Sunday, but that is not what supporters were worried about after full time.
Following victories over Sunderland in Tennessee and then Wrexham in New York City, the Reds were beaten 4-2 by Leeds United in Chicago.
Despite leading 2-0 at half time, Luke Chambers and Florian Wirtz the scorers, Daniel Farke's team scored four goals after the hour mark during a 25 minute spree, thereby securing victory at Soldier Field.
However, as it is only a pre-season friendly, no one was overly worried about the second half collapse. There was though more concern over Jeremie Frimpong. With around 14 minutes to play, the Dutch international kicked the ball out of play in frustrating and sat down, receiving on field treatment before being withdrawn, replaced by youngster Calum Scanlon.
Onlookers were concerned that Frimpong had suffered a potentially serious injury, but head coach Andoni Iraola was quick to alleviate these fears after full time:
"Jeremie Frimpong asked for the sub but I don't think it's an injury. It was just some overload and I hope he's not injured in that way. I don't think we've lost anyone."Andoni Iraola on Frimpong's fitness
This is certainly a relief. Frimpong was far from excellent during his first season on Merseyside, an awkward fit to follow in Trent Alexander-Arnold's footsteps.
However, he more than looked promising against Leeds, setting up Florian Wirtz's opener with an acrobat volleyed pull back from the byline. The pair linked up on a regular basis during their time together at Bayer Leverkusen, but had done so infrequently, if at all, since both swapped North Rhine-Westphalia for Merseyside a year ago.
Flo on target 🇩🇪💫 pic.twitter.com/E0Ve26bsJ9
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 3, 2026
Overall, most observers were impressed with the 25 year old's display in Illinois, certainly his best of the summer thus far. He registered two ball recoveries and won three out of four duels, as well as carrying the ball 11 times and registering two key passes, one of which led to the goal.
Whatever Liverpool fans may think of Frimpong, the jury very much remain out on his capabilities, he is a player Iraola is going to need in the immediate term.
Liverpool's shortage of defensive options
Right now, with less than three weeks to go until Liverpool commence their Premier League campaign at St James' Park against Newcastle United, Frimpong is surely in line to start at right-back. Conor Bradley is still a few months away from returning to action, after damaging both bone and ligaments in his left knee during January's goalless draw with Arsenal in North London.
Meantime, forgotten man Calvin Ramsay has seen serious minutes during all three pre-season games thus far, even starting the win over Wrexham at Yankee Stadium. Nevertheless, having only made four appearances in four years since joining Liverpool from Aberdeen, it is highly likely that the Scotsman's future lies away from Anfield.
The other right-back option could have been Joe Gomez, but he suffered a muscle injury just eight minutes into the first game of the tour at Geodis Park against Sunderland. The 29 year old, Iraola has confirmed, will be sidelined for a few weeks, thereby not in contention to feature on Tyneside.
With new signing Jérémy Jacquet yet to appear for Liverpool, following a shoulder injured suffered in February, and Virgil van Dijk only having just returned following his holiday, Iraola is really stretched when it comes to senior defensive options right now. Giovanni Leoni too is not yet available, after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament on debut against Southampton in the Carabao Cup last September, albeit should be back soon.
Thus, Iraola could ill-afford another defensive absentee, thankful that Frimpong does not appear to have suffered a major issue. This though merely underlines the Reds' need to reinforce.
Add us as a preferred source on Google