Liverpool FC head coach Arne Slot described striker Hugo Ekitike’s injury as “really bad” following the team’s 2-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Ekitike fell to the ground at about the half-hour mark, clutching his right ankle in what appeared to be a non-contact injury, sparking fears of a tear of the Achilles tendon. He was carried off the pitch on a stretcher, making way for Mohamed Salah.
Speaking to Amazon Prime after the game, Slot had this to say:
“He’s not
good. We could all see that it didn’t look good. He went home in the second half so I haven’t seen him yet.”
“Losing a game is hard but again losing a player is something we’ve had many times this season. It’s very hard for him at this time of the season.”
He expanded on the situation further in his post-match press conference:
“It looks really bad but it is difficult for me to say how bad. Tomorrow we will investigate this further, how bad this is for him.”
“Let’s see but that it doesn’t look good is clear.”
Teammate Ibrahima Konaté also expressed sadness for his compatriot’s situation:
“I’m very sad for him. I think it is bad.”
“I don’t know. I heard many things, but I don’t want to talk about that because with the World Cup, all of the things coming this summer, it’s very hard for him at this moment. I send him my prayers and everything.”
Ekitike has scored 19 goals for Liverpool and France this season and would likely have been in the Les Bleus squad for the World Cup, having gained some traction with recent friendly appearances. It is an unfortunate ending to one of the few bright spots in this Liverpool season.
As for the Reds, Hugo’s injury leaves them with Alexander Isak, who has only just returned from long-term injury, as the lone option at striker. Slot could have to mix it up with Salah or Cody Gakpo if Isak isn’t able to play for whatever reason.
