Liverpool seem to have addressed their concerns at right-back before Champions League nights return to Anfield.
Last season, the Reds went through a difficult campaign under now-dismissed manager Arne Slot, yet still managed to qualify for the Champions League despite doing so with one of the lowest points totals ever enough for qualification in the Premier League era.
Liverpool will now continue in the competition under new head coach Andoni Iraola, beginning with their opening group-stage fixture at home to Atletico Madrid next Wednesday.
There are signs that the Reds may have found a solution to their right-back problem ahead of the campaign, with Jeremie Frimpong coming under heavy scrutiny from sections of the fanbase after underwhelming displays.
Frimpong has faced strong criticism since arriving at Liverpool, with the Dutch defender's performances described as not nearly convincing enough if the Reds are to challenge for major honours.
Across his first two Premier League appearances, both of which ended in draws, Frimpong has won only six of his 16 duel or tackle attempts, while Liverpool have conceded four goals over that stretch.
With Champions League football about to return to Anfield, the club has now announced its squad list for the competition, offering a possible indication of how Frimpong is being viewed internally.
Among the notable omissions are Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo, while their places have instead gone to the currently injured pair of Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni.
Chiesa recently suffered a muscle injury, while Leoni and Ekitike have both been out since the 2025-26 season, with the latter having been injured on his first Liverpool start last September.
Andoni Iraola has also chosen to include another injured defender, Conor Bradley, who was forced off against Arsenal with a serious knee injury in January. The Northern Irishman is expected to return to action shortly after Leoni, who is due to resume training with the Reds during the international break.
Bradley would be the obvious candidate to replace Frimpong in Liverpool's line-up on European nights, provided his recovery at right-back continues smoothly and does not suffer any further setbacks.
His place in Iraola's squad list points to two clear realities: Liverpool do not have many options at right-back, and there is an internal belief that Bradley will soon be fit again.
It also prompts fresh questions over the club's internal view of Frimpong, with one possibility being that Bradley's recovery has now become an even more urgent matter because of the current problems in that area.
The Northern Irish defender is expected to have a part to play in Liverpool's Champions League campaign later on, and supporters frustrated by Frimpong's performances may draw some comfort from the fact that the Reds have included his likely replacement in their squad for European nights.
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