Jeremie Frimpong was forced off in Liverpool’s 6-0 victory over Qarabag.

Steven Gerrard believes that Jeremie Frimpong's injury could be the 'final straw' for Liverpool to enter the transfer market.

The Reds suffered their latest injury blow when the Netherlands international was forced off in the opening stages of the 6-0 victory over Qarabag in the Champions League.

Frimpong pulled up within two minutes of the encounter and he could not continue. It was a concern seeing the summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen coming off as it leaves Liverpool without a specialist right-back. Conor Bradley won't play again this season because of a knee injury, while Joe Gomez missed the Qarabag game with a hip issue. Gomez has had injury problems over the past couple of years.

Gerrard believes that Frimpong could be unavailable for at least two weeks if he has sustained another hamstring problem. And if it is a long-term setback, it could force Liverpool's hand.

Speaking on TNT Sports, Gerrard said: “Frimpong has been excellent lately. He has been really fast, dangerous and in one-on-one situations has been creative. They have issues in the back line. That could be the final straw to go into the market. I don't think they have wanted to go into the market because there has been a lot of change and transition in a lot of positions.

But with no Bradley, Frimpong it could be a hamstring - the minimum, it's normally 2-3 weeks anyway. I wouldn't be surprised if they go and get someone who can play right across the back...unless Gomez's impact [injury] is only days.”

It is unlikely that Liverpool will not use the transfer market to ease their injury woes. Speaking at his post-Qarabag press conference, Reds head coach Slot said: “We as a club always make decisions that we, at least, think [are] smart decisions. So, we not only look at the short term, we also look at the long term, longer term – that's why we sign young players as well, very good players but young ones that can still develop. Now we can see this development with a few. And it always depends on are there players available that we think can help us? And if they are, can we afford them? And does this also be helpful for the longer-term future because our players come back from injury as well?

“I just said we don't have a squad where we have four right-backs and 12 midfielders and three or four No.9s – that's not how it works over here. So, we have to do the smart things for the near future but also for the longer future. Let's first see how Jeremie [Frimpong] is. Maybe he's not able to play Saturday but maybe he's able to play one or two days later. We now go into a schedule with one game a week, so that would usually mean less injuries but you're never sure.”

Slot is hopeful that Gomez came be back to face Newcastle United in the Premier League. Liverpool’s longest-serving player was forced off in the 3-2 defeat by Bournemouth last weekend.