Replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold was always going to be a tall order but a worrying start to the season for Liverpool has perhaps indicated that the recruitment team rushed the task. The club's former vice-captain left after his contract expired and joined Real Madrid.
While Alexander-Arnold's exit was hugely controversial, it was clear a suitable heir was required. The Reds decided to waste no time whatsoever and pounced for one of the most highly-regarded attacking wide men in Europe.
Jeremie Frimpong arrived from Bayer Leverkusen after a £30m release clause was triggered. He'd starred in Xabi Alonso's team the year prior, helping the Germans end Bayern Munich's stranglehold on the Bundesliga title and doing so unbeaten.
The 24-year-old was an exciting acquistion not least because of his tally of 30 goals and 44 assists in 190 games at Leverkusen. Adjusting to the Premier League can be testing but Frimpong's problems have extended further than a lack of convincing performances.
Frimpong injury vs Frankfurt casts doubts
It's still extremely early in Frimpong's career but the Netherlands international's injury struggles have been a concern. He suffered a torn ligament injury while at Leverkusen in February 2022, ending his season early.
Frimpong only made the hour mark of his Liverpool debut before pulling up with a hamstring problem. He missed wins over Newcastle United and Arsenal which saw Dominik Szoboszlai move into a makeshift right-back role and impress.
The Dutchman hasn't been a regular starter since returning and has rotated with Szoboszlai and Conor Bradley. He has started the odd game on the right wing and his electric pace and excellent crossing seem the best aspects of his play.
He started Liverpool's encounter with Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on Wednesday. He couldn't make it to half time and he was withdrawn in the 19th minute and while it is early days, it's becoming an issue, preventing him from kicking on.
Frimpong picks up muscle injury
Fabrizio Romano gave an update on Frimpong's situation shortly after he was brought off. He confirmed that he'd suffered a muscle injury and that he'd be assessed by club staff after the game.
Without Frimpong, Liverpool sufficed to say the least. They scored quickfire goals before the first half whistle, relieving Arne Slot's worries.
Arne Slot will be eager to have a fully fit squad for the tricky trip to Brentford on Saturday (October 25). The Bees are an energetic side and like to use width which could be even more problematic if the Dutch winger is ruled out.
Liverpool then host Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup (October 29) and it's fair to say the Eagles have become the Merseysiders' bogey team. Slot's men come up against the best right-back in the league, Daniel Munoz, who arguably will have been a more effective Alexander-Arnold replacement in hindsight.