Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola remains optimistic that Jeremie Frimpong has avoided a serious injury after the defender was forced off during the Reds’ 4-2 pre-season defeat to Leeds United in Chicago on Sunday.

Frimpong requested to be substituted midway through the second half, raising concerns for Liverpool, who have already been hit by several fitness issues ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

The Reds are already without Joe Gomez, who is expected to miss the opening weeks of the season after sustaining a muscle injury in the recent win over Sunderland. Meanwhile, Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike, and Giovanni Leoni are all continuing their recoveries and remain unavailable.

Speaking to the club’s media after the match, Iraola played down fears over Frimpong’s condition.

“Jeremie asked for the sub, but I don’t think it’s an injury,” Iraola said. “It was more a case of overload, and I hope that’s all it is. I don’t think we’ve lost anyone.”

Despite the disappointing result, the Spaniard believes the contest offered valuable insight as Liverpool concluded their tour of the United States.

Iraola admitted the match exposed both strengths and weaknesses within his side, particularly the contrast between an encouraging first-half display and a difficult second period.

“Obviously, it’s not the result you want, but I think it was probably the most useful friendly we’ve played,” he explained. “There were plenty of positives in the first half and some important lessons from the second. We’ve learned a lot, and I think we can take those conclusions into the season and improve.”

Liverpool, who finished fifth in last season’s Premier League, will now shift their focus to the start of the competitive campaign, beginning with a trip to Newcastle United on August 23.