Frimpong hamstring injury a major blow for Netherlands ahead of Nations League

Liverpool defender Jeremie Frimpong has suffered a hamstring injury and is expected to miss the Netherlands' upcoming Nations League fixtures, dealing a major blow to manager Xavi Hernández.

Jeremie Frimpong is a major doubt for the Netherlands after suffering another hamstring injury. The Liverpool defender was hurt just six minutes after coming on against Brentford and is now almost certain to miss the key November Nations League fixtures. The team's next fixture is at home to Greece on Saturday 13 November.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola confirmed the setback. "It happened in the second or third minute he was on the pitch," said Iraola. He added pessimistically, "It's hard to predict.

For Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernández, the news arrives at a critical juncture. Oranje are joint-top of Nations League Group 2 with Greece, both on eight points and a goal difference of +2. The team is unbeaten in its last four matches, including a 2-1 win over Serbia in early October. That victory on 4 October was sealed by goals from Teun Koopmeiners and Joshua Zirkzee. Their recent form reads two wins and two draws from the last four outings. Prior to the 2-1 win over Serbia, the team also drew with Greece (2-2) and Germany (1-1), and won 1-2 away to Serbia.

Frimpong has a vulnerable history with hamstring issues. In his first season at Liverpool, he missed around 25 games with similar injuries. Those physical setbacks also cost him a place in the 2026 World Cup squad under then-manager Ronald Koeman.

Xavi must now reassess his defensive options for the home clash with Greece on 13 November and the away trip to face Germany in Berlin three days later. Frimpong's injury is a significant blow for a side looking to maintain momentum in the race for top spot in the group. The unbeaten run of two wins and two draws provides some confidence ahead of these decisive fixtures.