Liverpool went to Newcastle on Monday night and gave Arne Slot a difficult puzzle to try and solve with the absence of right-back Jeremy Fripon.
Not only was Alexander Isaac missing from St. James Park on Monday night, but Jeremy Fripon was also missing, causing a headache even without one Arneslot.
The Dutch were impressed after arriving from Bayer Leberkusen and scored a clearly fortunate goal at Community Shield before providing pace and breadth in Bournemouth’s opening Premier League night victory.
Reds fans lamented the decision of Slot to fight Cherry, claiming that his withdrawal led to the host losing all momentum and allowing Antoine Semeño in particular.
However, as Frimon was ruled out until after an international break with a hamstring injury, the reason behind the replacement is clearer, and there’s no doubt that the Reds will miss out on both Monday evening and Arsenal next weekend.
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So what will Slot do to replace him? Options vary, but all come with their own risks.
In an ideal world, he relies on Connor Bradley to fill in the role of right-back, but the Northern Irishman confused the preseason due to injuries and was not even on the bench against Bournemouth.
Slot said he attended a “minimum” training at a press conference on Thursday, but he might think the game is too early for him. Arsenal will be on the horizon in particular next weekend.
Joe Gomez will be another option after an impressive cameo with Bournemouth, but admitted with concern that slots hadn’t been able to train for three days recently.
All of these offer the potential for a more left-wing solution at right back, and after playing there during preseason, Dominik Szoboszlai is a live option. Hungary has always been a willing worker and if he starts there he will definitely put in a shift, but he will worry defensively.
The same goes for Curtis Jones, who started the Merseyside Derby at right back last season, but perhaps only suited to game-like roles like games that dominate what the Reds are unlikely to play in Newcastle.
Also, Wataru End could start there after replacing Frimon with Bournemouth, but his displays didn’t exactly impress you or fill you with confidence.
It was a difficult choice for slots and it ended up defining the game.
Miller Football Prediction: Gomez started at right back and was replaced by Bradley in the second half
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