CHICAGO : Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola said he was optimistic Jeremie Frimpong had avoided a serious injury after the defender was substituted during the second half of Sunday’s 4-2 pre-season defeat by Leeds United.
Frimpong asked to be replaced midway through the second half, raising concerns for Liverpool, who have already been hit by several injuries ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Defender Joe Gomez is expected to miss the start of the season with a muscle injury sustained in the win over Sunderland, while Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni are also sidelined.
“Jeremie asked for the sub but I don’t think it’s an injury,” Iraola told Liverpool media after the match.
“It was just some overload and I hope he’s not injured in that way. I don’t think we’ve lost anyone.”
The Spaniard, who took charge in June following the departure of Arne Slot, said the defeat had provided valuable lessons as Liverpool wrapped up their pre-season tour of the United States.
“Obviously it’s not the result you want but I think it was probably the most useful friendly we played — in a positive way in the first half and in a negative way in the second half,” Iraola said.
“We’ve learned a lot from today and I think we can take good conclusions and solve some things.”
Liverpool, who finished fifth in the Premier League last season, begin their new league campaign away to Newcastle United on Aug. 23.
