SOCCER: Iraola says Frimpong likely avoided injury

CHICAGO — Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola expressed optimism that defender Jeremie Frimpong did not suffer a serious injury after being substituted during the Reds' 4-2 pre-season loss to Leeds United on Sunday.

Frimpong, 25, requested to come off midway through the second half, raising concerns as Liverpool continues to deal with multiple injuries ahead of the start of the 2026-27 Premier League season.

The club is already expected to be without defender Joe Gomez for the opening matches after he sustained a muscle injury in Liverpool's pre-season victory over Sunderland. Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike, and Giovanni Leoni also remain unavailable as they recover from their respective injuries.

"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."

Iraola, who took charge of Liverpool in June following the dismissal of Arne Slot, said the defeat offered valuable lessons despite the disappointing result.

"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," he 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, will begin their league campaign away to Newcastle United on Aug. 23. -Reporting by Suramya Kaushik in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters