The good news Arne Slot received at Liverpool: a key player has returned

The medical room at Anfield is finally starting to clear out at the perfect time. After a grueling month on the sidelines, Jeremie Frimpong has officially returned to full-contact training, handing Arne Slot a massive boost ahead of Liverpool’s crucial Premier League encounter against West Ham. The Dutch wing-back, who has been a revelation since his arrival, had been out of action since the final weekend of January following a painful groin dislocation.

Frimpong’s absence has been felt. While Liverpool’s squad depth is impressive, few players in the world possess his specific blend of raw speed and clinical final-third decision-making. His injury occurred during the 6-0 demolition of Qarabag—a match where he was arguably the best player on the pitch before his body gave out. Since then, the Liverpool medical staff has been operating with "surgical precision," refusing to rush him back despite the mounting pressure of the title race. The priority was clear: 100% fitness or nothing. Now, that goal has been reached.

The big question looming over the AXA Training Centre this week is whether Frimpong is ready for the intensity of a Premier League start. Arne Slot is known for his calculated approach, and while having Frimpong back is a luxury, starting a player immediately after a groin injury can be a gamble.

However, Frimpong isn't just a "rotational piece." In Slot’s high-octane system, the right-back (or wing-back) is often the primary engine for transition. Without Frimpong, Liverpool has had to "patch up" the right flank with players who, while competent, don't offer the same verticality. His return allows the Reds to:

While one door opens, another seems to be closing. Just as the Frimpong news broke, concern shifted toward Florian Wirtz. The German midfield maestro has been struggling with persistent back issues that reportedly flared up during a recent warmup. The alarm bells started ringing when Wirtz was a "no-show" during the open training session at the AXA Training Centre.

Wirtz is the creative heartbeat of this team. If he is sidelined for the West Ham game, Slot will be forced into a tactical reshuffle. One potential solution is actually linked to Frimpong’s return. By starting Frimpong at right-back, Slot could move other versatile defenders back into their natural roles, allowing Dominik Szoboszlai to push higher into the "Number 10" role usually occupied by Wirtz.

Another name in the mix is Curtis Jones. Jones has proven he can handle the pressure of big games, and his recent form suggests he could fill the void if Wirtz’s medical clearance doesn’t arrive in time. Nevertheless, losing Wirtz’s vision would be a bitter pill to swallow for the Anfield faithful.

The timing of Frimpong’s return cannot be overstated. We are entering the "business end" of the season where squad depth wins trophies. Liverpool’s schedule is relentless, and having a "Swiss Army Knife" like Frimpong available allows Slot to rotate his squad without a significant drop in quality.

Whether Frimpong starts against the Hammers or makes an impact off the bench, his presence alone changes how opponents scout Liverpool. For West Ham, they now have to prepare for the fastest lateral player in the league. For Liverpool, it’s the first step in getting their "Gegenpressing" machine back to 100% capacity. The title race is heating up, and Anfield finally has its speedster back in the engine room.