Liverpool dealt further injury blow as Jeremie Frimpong is substituted after coming off the bench in Netherlands clash

Expectations were high as the international break drew to a close, but Arne Slot's worst fears were realied during the Netherlands' friendly against Ecuador.

Frimpong was introduced as a half-time substitute for Liverpool teammate Cody Gakpo, yet his evening ended prematurely in worrying fashion.The 25-year-old managed only 13 minutes on the pitch before he was substituted after coming off the bench, leaving Ronald Koeman with a forced change.

The Dutch international was seen heading straight down the tunnel, a sight that will no doubt cause significant anxiety for the coaching staff back on Merseyside.

This latest setback is particularly frustrating given Frimpong’s stop-start campaign. The former Bayer Leverkusen man has already endured two separate spells on the sidelines this season, hampering his ability to maintain consistent rhythm in the Premier League. His first major issue occurred against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League back in October.

That hamstring problem was followed by another muscle strain during a clash with Qarabag in January. While the exact nature of this latest ailment is yet to be confirmed by the Dutch medical team, the recurring nature of his muscle issues suggests a period of recovery may be necessary, putting his participation in the season's run-in at risk.

The timing could not be worse for Liverpool, as they prepare for a high-stakes FA Cup tie against Manchester City this Saturday. Arne Slot is already grappling with a severe shortage of options on the right side of his defense, which makes Frimpong's potential absence a tactical nightmare.

Northern Ireland international Conor Bradley has been ruled out for the remainder of the season following surgery on a serious knee injury sustained against Arsenal. Without Frimpong or Bradley, Slot may be forced to redeploy Dominik Szoboszlai in a deeper role, or rely on the versatile Joe Gomez to fill the void during a pivotal week of fixtures.

Beyond the domestic cup clash, Liverpool also face a massive Champions League quarter-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain just four days later. The prospect of facing the French champions' attacking talent without a specialized, fit right-back is a daunting one for the Reds as they hunt for silverware on multiple fronts.

Frimpong was one of several Liverpool representatives in the Netherlands squad on Tuesday, alongside Virgil van Dijk and Gakpo, while Ryan Gravenberch remained an unused substitute.

However, the focus now shifts entirely to the medical room at the AXA Training Centre as the club desperately awaits news on the severity of Frimpong's condition.