English
Español
Liverpool Handed Major Injury Boost Before West Ham United Visit
Liverpool’s season has developed an edge few anticipated when Arne Slot lifted the Premier League title in his first campaign in 2024-25. Fast forward to 2026 and the champions find themselves scrapping for position rather than setting the pace. Yet, ahead of the visit of West Ham United, there is finally a slice of encouraging news from the AXA Training Centre.
Jeremie Frimpong Returns to Liverpool Training
Jeremie Frimpong has resumed full training, offering Liverpool a timely lift before Saturday’s meeting with West Ham United. The Netherlands international has been absent since limping off during the emphatic 6-0 Champions League victory over Qarabag on January 28. It marked his third injury setback since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, a frustrating pattern for both player and club.
Photo: IMAGO
For Slot, options at right back have been stretched thin. Conor Bradley’s season ending knee injury against Arsenal forced improvisation. Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo have all been asked to plug the gap at various points. Endo subsequently sustained an ankle problem against Sunderland, further complicating matters.
Jones filled in during the FA Cup triumph over Brighton & Hove Albion and reprised the role in the 1-0 league win at Nottingham Forest. Resourceful, yes. Sustainable, perhaps not. Frimpong’s return changes the arithmetic. His pace, width and direct running provide balance, particularly in matches where Liverpool are expected to dominate possession.
Liverpool Form and Champions League Ambitions
Liverpool’s title defence has stumbled. They are 19 points worse off than at the same stage last season, a swing that would have placed them three points clear at the summit. Instead, the reality is a congested fight for Champions League qualification.
Manchester United’s win at Everton tightened the picture, leaving them three points behind fourth and level on points with Chelsea in fifth. For Liverpool, margin for error has evaporated. Maximum points are essential if they are to secure a top four finish.
Silverware remains a possibility. Progress in the FA Cup and UEFA Champions League keeps optimism alive, but league consistency must underpin any broader ambitions. A third consecutive Premier League victory would steady the ship and restore belief around Anfield.
West Ham United Fight for Survival at Anfield
West Ham United arrive on Merseyside in very different circumstances. Sitting 18th and two points from safety, they are entrenched in a relegation battle. Liverpool’s recent 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest offered the Hammers a marginal psychological lift, but history offers little comfort. West Ham United have not won at Anfield since 2015.
Still, desperation can be dangerous. With Forest facing Brighton & Hove Albion, the stakes are high across the table. Liverpool, bolstered by Jeremie Frimpong’s return and youngsters Amara Nallo and Kieran Morrison training with the senior squad, will look to assert authority early.
In a season defined by fine margins, availability may prove decisive. Frimpong’s comeback could be precisely what Liverpool require as West Ham United attempt to spoil the script.