Liverpool head into the next Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers in full emergency mode. Manager Arne Slot is facing one of his toughest tactical challenges since arriving at Anfield, forced to improvise amid a growing injury and suspension crisis.
The Reds’ preparations have been severely disrupted over the past week. Star striker Alexander Isak has been ruled out for several months after suffering a broken leg, removing a crucial attacking option at a critical stage of the season. As if that blow was not enough, Dominik Szoboszlai is suspended due to yellow-card accumulation, while Mohamed Salah remains away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
With multiple pillars missing simultaneously, Slot’s tactical flexibility has been severely restricted. Ahead of the clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Liverpool appear to have three realistic emergency scenarios, each carrying its own risks and rewards.
Option 1: Jeremie Frimpong Pushed Higher Up the Pitch
The most straightforward solution would be to redeploy Jeremie Frimpong as a right winger. With Szoboszlai unavailable, the right side of midfield is suddenly vacant, and Frimpong’s attacking instincts make him a logical candidate to fill that gap.
Frimpong is naturally more effective going forward than in defensive phases. His pace, direct dribbling, and overlapping runs were evident in Liverpool’s recent win over Tottenham, where he contributed an assist and consistently stretched the opposition back line.
This approach, however, depends heavily on the fitness of Conor Bradley. If Bradley is fit to start, he can slot in at right-back, allowing Frimpong to operate further upfield without compromising defensive balance.
From Slot’s perspective, this is the safest option. It preserves the structural integrity of the side that performed well in London and avoids wholesale tactical disruption.
Predicted XI: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Jones, Gravenberch; Frimpong, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Ekitike.
Option 2: Federico Chiesa’s Moment to Prove His Worth
Should Bradley fail a late fitness test, Frimpong would likely be forced back into his natural right-back role. That adjustment would reopen a problem Slot has struggled to solve all season: who plays on the right wing in Salah’s absence?
In that scenario, the spotlight would fall on Federico Chiesa, a player who has found himself on the fringes of the squad. This could be a “now or never” moment for the Italian international.
Chiesa has started only sparingly in the Premier League, with his previous start ending in disappointment during Liverpool’s defeat to Brighton. Despite that setback, his experience and natural positioning on the right flank make him the most obvious solution in a crisis.
Slot may be reluctant, but with limited alternatives available, Chiesa’s ability to stretch defenses and deliver in big moments could prove invaluable against Wolves.
Predicted XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Jones, Gravenberch; Chiesa, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Ekitike.
Option 3: A High-Risk Gamble on Youth
The boldest and most intriguing scenario involves a significant reshuffle across the attacking line. Slot could move Florian Wirtz to the right wing and introduce a left-sided attacker from outside the usual rotation.
Cody Gakpo is the first name under consideration, but his fitness remains uncertain following a recent knock. Should Gakpo be unavailable, Slot may turn to teenage prospect Rio Ngumoha.
Handing a starting role to a young academy product would be a major gamble. Yet the context of the opposition could make it a calculated risk. Wolves are currently enduring a miserable run of form, having collected just two points from their last 17 league matches. Their defensive record is equally alarming, conceding an average of 2.17 goals per game.
Against such fragile opposition, Slot may view this as the ideal opportunity to unleash youthful energy without excessive pressure.
Predicted XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Jones, Gravenberch; Wirtz, Mac Allister, Ngumoha/Gakpo; Ekitike.
No Room for Error at Anfield
Arne Slot does not have the luxury of perfect conditions. Injuries, suspensions, and international absences have stripped Liverpool of depth and experience, leaving the manager with difficult choices and little margin for error.
Regardless of which scenario Slot ultimately selects, the objective remains non-negotiable. At Anfield, anything less than three points against Wolves would be a major setback in Liverpool’s pursuit of Champions League qualification. In a season already defined by adversity, how Slot navigates this emergency could prove decisive for the Reds’ campaign.
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