Arne Slot has huge Newcastle Utd decision after key man injured and Isak strike

After opening the season with a 4-2 win over Bournemouth last week, Liverpool take on Newcastle as they look to make it two wins from two.

The Reds’ interest in star Newcastle striker Alexander Isak adds extra needle to what should be a feisty encounter at St. James’ Park on Monday. Former Magpies target Hugo Ekitike is set to lead the charge for Liverpool at Newcastle, while fellow summer arrivals Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez are also set to start.

However, one new addition won’t be taking the field when the pair meet to round off the second round of Premier League fixtures of the season. While Arne Slot frustrated a number of Fantasy Premier League users in the 4-2 win over Bournemouth, subbing off Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong before the hour mark, the latter’s withdrawal was actually enforced.

Reds star ruled out until after international break

The Athletic’s Liverpool correspondent James Pearce posted on his official X account on Thursday afternoon: “Jeremie Frimpong ruled out with a hamstring injury until after the September international break.”

The news comes as a blow to the Reds, who signed Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen as a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, the England international departing for Real Madrid earlier in the summer.

The Dutchman’s absence leaves Slot with a selection headache into Monday's massive meeting with Eddie Howe’s side. With Conor Bradley also absent owing to an Achilles problem, the Dutch boss must decide who deputises at right-back against the Magpies.

Wataru Endo came on for Frimpong at Anfield last week, but moved back into midfield when Joe Gomez was introduced for star performer Ekitike in the six-goal thriller against the Cherries.

Meanwhile, Curtis Jones is a further option for Slot should he opt for the England international in an unfamiliar right-back role.

Jeremie Frimpong has sustained a hamstring injury. (Image: Getty)

Frimpong deputy will have work cut out

Whoever does start at right-back against Newcastle, however, will have their work cut out as the Reds look to maintain their winning start to the season.

The Magpies are hellbent on retaining Isak’s services but after Howe confirmed the former Real Sociedad hitman would miss the opening weekend 0-0 draw at Aston Villa, ex-Everton winger and one-time Liverpool target Anthony Gordon led the charge.

Gordon was flanked by summer signing Anthony Elanga on the right and Harvey Barnes on the left, meaning Endo, Gomez or Jones will likely come up against the latter.

That is, of course, unless Isak is willing to backtrack on his comments from earlier this week, or Newcastle are able to add another striker before tomorrow’s registration deadline.

Yoane Wissa is the number one target for the Magpies, but they’ve so far been unable to match Brentford’s asking price for the DR Congo international.