Feyenoord manager Arne Slot has confirmed that key defender Jeremie Frimpong will not return to action until after the September international break. The Dutch full-back will miss the upcoming fixtures against Newcastle and Arsenal due to injury concerns.

Frimpong’s injury has been a concern for the club for some time, and Slot explained that the decision to take him off the pitch earlier than planned was made in consultation with the club’s medical team. “We took Jeremie off after discussing it with the medical staff, and I believe it was the right decision,” Slot said during his latest press conference. “If we hadn’t made that change, there was a real risk of him suffering a more serious injury.”

A Smart Call to Prevent Further Injury

Slot’s comments underscore the importance of player welfare, with the manager making it clear that the decision to take Frimpong off the pitch was a precautionary one. “It was the right call. We have to be cautious with injuries, and we didn’t want to take any chances with him. If he had continued playing, it could have led to something far worse, so we acted accordingly.”

Frimpong’s absence will undoubtedly be a blow to Feyenoord, especially with important matches against Newcastle and Arsenal coming up. However, Slot remains confident that the player will make a full recovery, with the plan being for Frimpong to return after the international break in September.

A Positive Update on Conor Bradley

On a more positive note, Slot also shared an encouraging update regarding Conor Bradley, who has been sidelined due to injury. The young defender has now returned to training and is ready to rejoin the squad for upcoming sessions.

“Conor Bradley has had his first training session back after a period on the sidelines, and that’s great news for us,” Slot revealed. “We’re happy to see him back on the field. He’s an important player for us, and we’re looking forward to having him back in the squad.”

Looking Ahead to Upcoming Matches

With Frimpong set to miss key matches and Bradley’s return still in progress, Slot knows that the upcoming fixtures will require adjustments. The manager will be relying on his remaining defensive options to step up, especially against high-profile opponents like Newcastle and Arsenal.

“We will miss Jeremie, but we have faith in the squad’s depth. We’ve been preparing for this situation, and we’ll make sure to give our best performance, no matter who’s on the pitch,” Slot stated confidently.

Balancing Player Recovery and Team Goals

Slot also emphasized the importance of managing player recovery with the team’s long-term goals in mind. “It’s crucial to make sure our players are fit and ready for the whole season. We don’t want to push anyone too hard and risk a longer-term injury. Frimpong is a key player for us, and we want to ensure that he’s fully recovered before he returns to action.”

With the international break around the corner, Slot will have a short window to adjust his squad, but the manager remains optimistic that the team will continue to perform at a high level, even without one of their key defenders.