Injuries mean Liverpool have not got value for money, says Arne Slot

Liverpool have yet to get full value from their huge summer spending spree because of the string of injuries they have suffered, according to head coach Arne Slot.

British record signing Alexander Isak arrived lacking match fitness, struggled with niggles and was then ruled out for at least two months after breaking a bone in his leg at Tottenham last week.

Centre-back Giovanni Leoni sustained a season-ending ACL injury in his first appearance while Jeremie Frimpong has made just five starts in 11 games due to a persistent hamstring issue.

The trio cost close to £200million, almost half of the club’s outlay, yet have made a combined 28 appearances and that has hamstrung Slot’s plan to reinvigorate the squad.

Frimpong marked his first Premier League start with an assist for Ryan Gravenberch’s opener in the 2-1 win over Wolves, in which £116m signing Florian Wirtz scored his first goal for the club, and Slot is hopeful his fellow Dutchman can remain fit to continue his progress.

“I think a lot has been said by so many people about the amount of money we’ve spent last summer,” said Slot.

“But unfortunately not all of the money we’ve spent we have used and that has to do with the injuries of these players.

“Jeremie is a great example: now if he is fit, he can definitely help us because last week he had the assist against Tottenham and he had a great assist against Wolves.

“Pace – that’s what he has and that’s so important and crucial in modern-day football.

“The first goal we scored was pure individual ability: quick – bam, bam – and a cut-back cross.”

Frimpong