By Martin Graham
Liverpool Manager Arne Slot admitted his concern afterwards Hugo Ekitike he was forced to suffer what appeared to be a serious injury during the Champions League defeat Paris Saint-Germain. The French forward went down without contact around the 30-minute mark and required a stretcher after clutching his ankle in apparent discomfort.
Slot acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, but stopped short of offering a definitive diagnosis. He explained that the first signs were worrying, and pointed out that the striker did not return to the dressing room at half-time and already left the stadium at the end of the game. The Dutch coach also confirmed that he had yet to speak directly to the player following the incident.
The injury occurred in a game that ended in a 2-0 defeat on the night, sealing a 4-0 aggregate elimination for Liverpool. The timing of the setback only added to the disappointment of the team’s European outing.
World Cup hopes are under threat
Ekitike’s condition could have wider implications beyond club football as the striker now faces uncertainty ahead of this summer’s World Cup in North America. A prolonged absence would significantly affect his chances of being included in France’s squad for the tournament.
Teammate Ibrahima Konate expressed his concern after the game, describing the situation as difficult for the striker, especially due to the proximity of international competition. While admitting he didn’t have all the details, Konate suggested the injury could be serious and offered his support during what he expects will be a difficult period.
The forward has been a major figure in his debut season at Liverpool following his move from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer, contributing 17 goals in 45 appearances in all competitions.
The attacking trio fight for continuity
Ekitike had started the game alongside Alexander Isak, who returned to the starting XI for the first time since early December after recovering from a broken leg. Florian Wirtz also featured, forming a trio that Liverpool hoped would play a central role this season.
However, Slot highlighted how rarely all three attackers have been available together. He revealed that prior to this match, they had only shared 88 minutes on the pitch, with only a brief inclusion during the match before Ekitike’s injury disrupted plans once again.
The coach suggested the trio is unlikely to accumulate much more playing time together this season. Despite this setback, he pointed to Isak’s return as a positive development amid ongoing challenges.
