Manchester United target Jeremie Frimpong has been pictured hobbling out of the Netherlands’ latest World Cup training session with what looks like an ankle injury.
Like Red Devils left-back Tyrell Malacia, the 21-year-old is yet to feature in Qatar.
The Bayer Leverkusen right-back was an unused substitute in all three of the Oranje’s group stage matches.
Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal, who formerly managed Manchester United, has preferred Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries in the right-wing back role over the former Celtic man.
Neither Malacia or Frimpong were brought on to make their World Cup debuts against Qatar yesterday despite Van Gaal’s seemingly in cruise control against the hosts and going on to win 2-0.
Manchester United target Jeremie Frimpong hobbles out of World Cup training session with ankle injury
Frimpong was seen hobbling out of this morning’s training session.
Images from ESPN NL show Frimpong, who is yet to make his senior debut for the Netherlands, on the ground. He then grabs his right ankle before leaving the field limping.
After receiving medical attention from a physio, the former Manchester City Academy graduate looked visibly distressed.
According to NOS Sport, Frimpong left the complex of the Qatar University with a taped ankle after suffering the injury during a challenge with Wout Weghorst.
The Netherlands take on USA on Saturday for a spot in the World Cup quarter-finals having qualified for the last-16 as Group A winners.
According to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenburg, Frimpong, who was labelled an “outstanding talent” by his former Celtic manager Neil Lennon, is expected to hold talks with Leverkusen about his future after the World Cup.
The attack-minded right-back has five goals and three assists from 21 appearances for the Bundesliga giants so far this season.
With Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is reportedly deemed surplus to requirements by Erik ten Hag, seemingly heading for the exit door in the January transfer window – the former Ajax manager will likely want a replacement for the former Crystal Palace man to provide cover and competition to Diogo Dalot.
Frimpong’s short-term focus will be on whether his first World Cup has been plunged into doubt following the injury he sustained in today’s training session.
But with Van Gaal seemingly favouring Dumfries, it would be a surprise to see Frimpong make his World Cup bow in Qatar.
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