Jeremie Frimpong’s Liverpool Start Shaped by Injuries and Resilience

Jeremie Frimpong’s Liverpool story has unfolded in fits rather than flow. Signed with optimism and pace to burn, his Premier League career began brightly before being interrupted almost immediately by injury. Just an hour into his league debut during the 4-2 win over Bournemouth on August 15, the Dutchman was forced off, a moment that proved to be the start of a long and frustrating opening chapter.

That setback ruled him out of domestic starts for more than four months. When he returned, hopes of continuity were again dashed. A Champions League appearance on October 22 against Eintracht Frankfurt, a night that ended in a commanding 5 1 win for Liverpool, saw Frimpong last just 19 minutes before a hamstring issue resurfaced. Another two months followed on the sidelines, leaving a season that had promised momentum instead defined by recovery.

By the time Frimpong returned to the starting lineup in the 2 1 victory over Wolves on December 27, Liverpool’s wider campaign had shifted. What began as the defence of a title winning squad rebuilt at great cost had turned into a battle for a top four finish. Yet for Frimpong, the immediate focus was simpler, playing football again.

Frimpong Reflects on Long Road Back

The 25 year old has spoken openly about the emotional toll of his injuries, admitting how deeply he missed being on the pitch.

“I’ve been injured for a long time and I just want to play football,” Frimpong told Liverpool Echo. “You could say that I miss playing football, so of course I’m happy to be back on the pitch, but I want to win as well. So today [against Leeds United] was really frustrating.”

He acknowledged how unfamiliar the situation was for him.

“Yes, it was really tough being injured, you know, because, touch wood, I’m not really the kind of guy that gets injured. So, it’s really difficult for me to deal with, but I’ve got my family around me, so that was good.”

The repeated setbacks made his early months at Liverpool feel cruelly stop start.

“I think obviously the injury really played a big part of it because I was injured the first one month and then came back and it was two months out. I could say it’s been an unlucky start for me but like now I’m healthier. I feel good.”

Managing Speed and Physical Demands

For a player whose game relies on explosive acceleration, Frimpong’s injury record naturally raised concerns. His top speed of 35.86 kilometres an hour against Bournemouth ranked among the fastest in the league, but muscle issues during adaptation to English football posed a challenge.

In response, Frimpong turned to pilates as part of his recovery routine.

“Yeah, well, I don’t always do [pilates],” he laughs. “But when I was injured, yes, I was doing that a lot, you know, it helps with the hamstring. One hundred percent it’s really good for the hamstrings.”

The frustration of that first injury still lingers.

“The first game, you know, [getting injured], it was really frustrating because that was my first Premier League start, I wanted to play all of it, but obviously due to injury I couldn’t. I just think it’s part of the game, you know. Injuries happen to people and I guess it was just my turn.”

Versatility remains central to his approach.

“Whether it’s at right back or right wing, I just use my ability, my speed. It doesn’t matter to me.”

Support From Teammates and Wirtz Connection

Watching from the sidelines as new teammates settled was difficult, though Frimpong took comfort in their progress.

“Of course, personally, that was really tough for me,” he says. “But I was happy for the others, Flo, Hugo, Milos, Giorgi. We were also very happy for them, you know, because they’re their first out for Liverpool. Let’s hope it continues.”

The bond with Florian Wirtz has been particularly important. Former teammates at Bayer Leverkusen, the pair arrived at Anfield together and leaned on that familiarity.

“Of course, 100% [it helped]. I think me and Flo are really good boys, you know, that’s my boy.”

Frimpong remains effusive in his praise.

“Like, I’ve said in plenty of interviews, if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have won the [domestic] double with Leverkusen [in 2024].”

On Wirtz’s record transfer fee, his view is clear.

“I think Flo is the type of player that doesn’t care about these things, the price tag. He’s just happy to play football.”

As Frimpong’s fitness stabilises, Liverpool are beginning to see the energy and incision they invested in. The challenge now is keeping him there.