Jeremie Frimpong is set to make his comeback from a lengthy hamstring injury, and the Liverpool right-back’s return to availability could be perfectly timed.

Frimpong has been absent since suffering his second hamstring injury of the season in the 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt on October 22.

The Netherlands international has therefore missed almost two months of action, with Saturday’s 2-0 victory at home to Brighton the 12th game he had sat out.

But speaking after that win at Anfield, Arne Slot revealed his No. 30 would be back in training in the buildup to Liverpool’s trip to Tottenham.

That could set Frimpong up for a key role heading into 2026 as Slot experiments with his system – and particularly with Mohamed Salah now departing for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Liverpool’s new 4-4-2: Frimpong as bombing right-back

Salah’s time away with Egypt will see him miss at least three games for Liverpool and as many as eight, while there remain doubts whether the No. 11 will even return amid interest from Saudi Arabia.

With the 33-year-old already having been left out of the starting lineup for the last five games – including a brief exile for his public criticism of Slot – there have been signs of the head coach’s plans without him.

Most notably that has come with a shift to a 4-4-2 setup, including a diamond midfield and, for only the second time against Inter Milan, both Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak up front.

It is a fluid system, not least among the four midfielders who can interchange duties throughout, but it is also naturally a narrow setup.

That puts a heavy emphasis on the full-backs to provide width – which could be where Frimpong comes in upon his return.

The only other time Slot trialled Ekitike and Isak as a strike partnership was that thrashing of Frankfurt in the Champions League, and his comments before kickoff highlighted his expectations around Frimpong’s role.

“We are hoping and expecting Jeremie Frimpong to create something for these two from the right side and Cody Gakpo trying to do the same off the left,” he told TNT Sports, “with Florian Wirtz‘s creativity in and around our two No. 9s.”

That idea was quickly aborted with Frimpong forced off early on and Isak also making way at half-time, but the Dutch wing-back was set to be given the freedom of the right flank – five of his six touches were in the final third.

Slot clearly has considerable faith in his ability to cover the length of the pitch while contributing both in defence and, most tellingly, attack.

And with Conor Bradley also able to operate in a similar setup, having both him and Frimpong available – and both Salah and the injured Gakpo out – it would be no surprise if this system prevails with a rotation of right-backs.

4-2-3-1: A direct replacement for Salah – and Szoboszlai

When Liverpool opted to trigger the £29.5 million release clause in Frimpong’s contract at Bayer Leverkusen, there was a clear appreciation of his versatility.

Though concerns over his defensive output were quickly downplayed, it is evident that his role at Leverkusen – particularly for Xabi Alonso – was predominantly as an attacker.

Liverpool knew heading into this season that they would lose Salah to AFCON for a crucial period and there was no established backup given Slot prefers Federico Chiesa as a striker.

The plan was, therefore, to trial Frimpong as a replacement for Salah on the right wing – and no doubt this would have happened during the Egyptian’s recent stint out of the side had he been available.

Slot has, of course, already started his countryman on the right of his attack on one occasion this season: in the clash with Galatasaray in the Champions League.

Unfortunately it ended in a 1-0 defeat, but though not wholly convincing there were signs Liverpool could benefit from Frimpong’s pace in behind in that role, which was also the case in a cameo on the wing against Burnley that saw him the decisive penalty.

“Jeremie played a lot of times as a wing-back, right winger, at Leverkusen. He played there in pre-season for us,” Slot told reporters after the loss to Galatasaray.

“He’s one of the players who can replace Mo in that position. I don’t see many others that can play in that position as their favourite.

“I think Jeremie, it’s one of his favourite positions to play. He plays there for the national team always. So he’s a player that can play there.”

The notion that right wing is one of Frimpong’s favourite positions is crucial as, in Salah’s absence, Slot has often turned to Dominik Szoboszlai out wide.

Szoboszlai has been Liverpool’s most valuable player this season, not only in his level of performance or his availability, but in that he has been able to maintain his form while playing in a variety of positions.

But it is obvious that the Hungary captain is most comfortable in midfield; and in any of Slot’s 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 formations, that is where he is most effective.

Why Frimpong should not be underrated

Given there are doubts over Szoboszlai’s fitness ahead of the trip to Tottenham due to an ankle issue, it could make Frimpong’s impending return all the more important.

Clearly, it would be wrong to pin all hopes on a player who should be eased back in after a long spell on the sidelines – particularly after a recurring injury – but Liverpool cannot ignore how big an asset he can be.

In many ways, the circumstances around Frimpong’s first half-season at Anfield have undervalued exactly how much he can offer.

Despite a rough start – with only nine appearances, 403 minutes on the pitch and a fortunate debut goal in the Community Shield – there is too much evidence to show that he can be an elite-level option on the right flank for Liverpool.

That his comeback is timed with Salah’s AFCON duty, Gakpo’s injury, worries over Szoboszlai, Wirtz’s growing influence and Slot’s tactical experiments could make him very useful in the weeks to come.

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Mohamed Salah is reportedly set to travel to Saudi Arabia before joining Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations – but there are no claims this is linked to a move from Liverpool.

Salah ‘to travel to Saudi’ before AFCON

After coming off the bench for his first appearance since that much-publicised criticism of Arne Slot and Liverpool, Salah has now left Merseyside.

He will now link up with the Egypt squad for AFCON, which begins with their Group B opener against Zimbabwe on December 22.

However, broadcaster Al-Riyadiya – via winwin – has claimed that before Salah travels to Morocco for the tournament, he will stop off in Saudi Arabia.

This could set off alarm bells among Liverpool fans given the known interest from Al-Hilal, Al-Qadsiah and Neom SC, but there is no suggestion his visit to the Middle East is tied to any transfer.

Instead, Salah is expected to perform Umrah, the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, as well as commercial engagements with the Saudi Ministry of Tourism.

Slot has already insisted the plan is for Salah to rejoin his Liverpool squad after AFCON, with “no issue to resolve.”

Today’s Liverpool FC News: Konate off for €15m?!

• Ibrahima Konate has been dubiously linked with a move to Inter Milan, with L’Interista claiming he could do so for as little as €15 million (£13.2m) – we’re not having that

• Dominik Szoboszlai appears to have avoided a serious ankle injury, with reports in Hungary indicating that “initial tests” came back positive and a decision will be made for Saturday’s clash with Tottenham

• Curtis Jones is well aware of the criticism of how often he slows play down, but he simply says: “I don’t want to be in a rush”

• Jordan Henderson scored his first Premier League goal in 1,475 days as Brentford drew 1-1 with Leeds – and dedicated it to Diogo Jota

More from This Is Anfield

With Joe Gomez expected to be sidelined for the foreseeable after injuring his hamstring against Brighton, Jack Lusby believes Liverpool now must sign a centre-back in January:

“Liverpool will avoid any snap decisions when it comes to signings, particularly as the circumstances aren’t as dire as those that prompted the arrivals of Ben Davies and Ozan Kabak in 2021.

“But if the right deal presents itself, they can hardly afford to ignore it, as even with Slot’s first-choice partnership currently fit it is a situation which is precariously balanced.

“With Konate yet to commit to an extension to a deal which expires on July 1 and Gomez joining Leoni and Endo on the injury list, a centre-back signing must be a priority for January.”

READ: Liverpool’s biggest January transfer need laid bare by Joe Gomez injury

Elsewhere in the football world today

• Brendan Rodgers is finalising a deal to become head coach of Saudi side Al-Qadsiah – ironically, one of the clubs credited with an interest in Salah… (The Athletic)

• Fractures are growing around Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, who has refused to elaborate on his claim over the “worst 48 hours” of his reign last week (BBC Sport)

• Ruben Amorim seems happy to allow Kobbie Mainoo to leave Man United in January, encouraging the midfielder to speak with him over his desire for a loan (Sky Sports)

Liverpool FC: On this day

On this day in 1990 – 35 years ago! – Steve McManaman made his debut for Liverpool.

McManaman was just 18 when he replaced the injured Peter Beardsley for the final 10 minutes of a routine 2-0 win over Sheffield United – a game that also saw goalscorer Ian Rush make his 300th appearance for the club.

He went on to play 364 times for Liverpool, scoring 66 goals and laying on 85 assists, the latter being the 10th-most of any player in the club’s history.

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Mohamed Salah will fly out to join Egypt’s preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations soon, with the Liverpool forward sharing another cryptic post on social media.

Salah is set to join the Egypt squad ahead of the mid-season AFCON this week, having played his final game for Liverpool before the tournament in Morocco.

The 33-year-old produced an excellent display from the bench as the Reds beat Brighton 2-0 at Anfield, having been brought back into the squad following talks with Arne Slot.

His applause for supporters at full-time has been interpreted in different ways, with some believing it was a farewell from the No. 11 as he continues to be linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.

With the situation not entirely resolved, Salah’s latest post on social media is likely to be given the same treatment.

Mo Salah broke Premier League record vs. Brighton

pic.twitter.com/KFM2eIknxu

— Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) December 15, 2025

An assist for Hugo Ekitike‘s second goal on Saturday means the Egyptian has eclipsed Wayne Rooney’s record for the most goal involvements for a single club in Premier League history.

Salah shared a graphic to recognise that achievement on Instagram, X and Facebook, with no caption to accompany it.

This could be viewed as a sign of his ongoing commitment to Liverpool, for whom he has made a combined 277 goal contributions in the Premier League alone.

Or it may further highlight his claim that he is not being treated as he deserves, having told reporters after the 3-3 draw with Leeds: “I don’t have to go every day fighting for my position because I earned it.”

What Salah said about ‘earning his place’

“I don’t get it,” he said, having been named on the bench for three consecutive games and gone unused in two of those.

“I think if I’m somewhere else, every club would protect this player. I don’t know why I’m in this situation now.

“But how I see it now is like, ‘you throw Mo under the bus because he’s the problem in the team now’.

“I don’t think I’m the problem. I have done so much for this club, to get the respect I want to get, and I don’t have to go every day fighting for my position because I earned it.

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“People will say ‘you’re not bigger than…’, I’m not bigger than anyone, I just earned my position.”

Speaking after Salah’s return to the side against Brighton, Slot suggested the matter had now been dealt with and “there is no issue to resolve.”

The head coach insisted he expects his No. 11 to stay with Liverpool after his time at AFCON.

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Dominik Szoboszlai could miss Liverpool’s trip to Tottenham on Saturday after picking up an ankle injury against Brighton, but fears of a serious issue have been downplayed.

A Szoboszlai injury seemed inevitable at some stage in Liverpool’s busy schedule – and it unfortunately came just before their run of fixtures slowed down.

Prior to his departure 83 minutes into the 2-0 win over Brighton, he was one of only two players to feature for the Reds in every minute of every game in the Premier League and Champions League.

But Szoboszlai is now facing doubts over his involvement in Saturday’s trip to Tottenham due to an ankle issue.

What Hungarian sources say on Szoboszlai injury

According to Hungarian newspaper Nemzeti Sport, Liverpool are yet to learn whether their No. 8 will be fit for the clash with Thomas Frank’s Tottenham.

However, it is claimed that “initial tests did not reveal any serious injury” which will clearly be seen as a major boost.

If Szoboszlai does miss out on Saturday, Arne Slot could be particularly short of options in both midfield and attack – while the No. 8 is also viewed as cover at right-back.

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Liverpool are already without Wataru Endo and Stefan Bajcetic in midfield, while Mohamed Salah has now departed for the Africa Cup of Nations and Cody Gakpo is out with a muscle injury.

Joe Gomez is likely to join the list of absentees after a scan to assess a hamstring problem and both Milos Kerkez and Hugo Ekitike suffered cramp in the latter stages of the win over Brighton.

Jeremie Frimpong could, however, return to availability against Tottenham with plans to rejoin full training this week.

How Liverpool could line up vs. Tottenham

Slot could return to his 4-4-2 diamond setup in north London, with Alexander Isak able to partner either Ekitike or Federico Chiesa up front.

The makeup of his midfield would depend on Szoboszlai’s fitness, with Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones and Florian Wirtz otherwise available.

Conor Bradley will start at right-back with the head coach hoping Frimpong can at least make the bench.

If Szoboszlai is fit, however, he could be considered either as part of a four-man midfield or on the right wing if Slot fields a 4-2-3-1.

Predicted XI vs. Tottenham: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Isak, Ekitike

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Virgil van Dijk is yet to signal any plans to retire as a professional footballer, but the Liverpool captain has given an indication of his ideal job after his playing career ends.

Van Dijk signed a new two-year contract with Liverpool in April, taking him to the end of next season by which point he will be 36.

However there is no sign this will be his last contract as a player, with it entirely possible that he extends his stay at Anfield further – or, if not with the Reds, continuing his career elsewhere.

But now entering his mid-30s there are obvious questions over how long Van Dijk will continue playing and what his plans are in retirement.

Virgil van Dijk names the ONE player he'd love to play with and more ? @fifpro pic.twitter.com/TRHvT46d8Q

— GOAL (@goal) December 2, 2025

In an interview with GOAL after being named in the FIFA FIFPRO World 11 for 2025, the Dutchman hinted that his next job could be as a sporting director.

Asked what he would be if he wasn’t a footballer, Van Dijk named the position currently held by Richard Hughes at Liverpool.

This comes with the No. 4 having already played down becoming a manager on a number of occasions, including in an interview on the Rio Meets podcast last year.

Van Dijk has no desire to become a manager

“I said no, but that’s also coming from this hectic, busy, on-it life that my family is sacrificing a lot for, my wife and my kids,” he explained.

“To then have a year or two years off and then going back into it, I don’t think I see it happening. But never say never.

“I really feel like I definitely will give something back to football. I love working and seeing younger players out there.

“I like going for example to the Liverpool academy to watch the under-11s, 12s, 13s. The other day I watched a little tournament, under-16s if I’m correct, and just a couple of games.

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“The thing is, I know when I was younger, I was eight or nine, we had a training session and the first-team players from my team back then, Willem II, like two or three players came and trained with us.

“I will never forget that, and I know what kind of impact that makes to younger boys and the younger generation.

“But what they give to me as well, seeing them happy, playing with pure joy, nothing in their minds, that’s something that brings a lot to me as well.

“Going back then to the question, I would love to stay in football in the future, but on my time. I don’t know which kind of role, it’s too far away to think about.”

Van Dijk has already moved into youth football with the Virgil’s Legacy Trophy, with Liverpool’s U13s winning the inaugural tournament at Willem II’s youth stadium in September.

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