By Martin Graham
Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted his concern after Hugo Ekitike was forced off with what appeared to be a serious injury during Tuesday’s Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. The French forward went down without contact around the 30-minute mark and required a stretcher after clutching his ankle in clear discomfort.
Slot acknowledged the severity of the situation but stopped short of offering a definitive diagnosis. He explained that the initial signs were troubling, noting that the striker did not return to the dressing room at half-time and had already left the stadium by the end of the match. The Dutch coach also confirmed he had not yet spoken directly with the player following the incident.
The injury occurred in a game that ended in a 2-0 loss 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 exit.
World Cup hopes under threat
Ekitike’s condition could have wider implications beyond club football, with the forward now facing uncertainty ahead of this summer’s World Cup in North America. A prolonged absence would significantly impact his chances of being included in France’s squad for the tournament.
Teammate Ibrahima Konate expressed his concern after the match, describing the situation as difficult for the striker, particularly given the proximity of the international competition. While he admitted he did not have full details, Konate suggested the injury might be serious and offered his support during what he expects to be a challenging period.
The striker has been an important figure in his debut season at Liverpool following his move from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer, contributing 17 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions.
Attacking trio struggles for continuity
Ekitike had started the match alongside Alexander Isak, who returned to the starting lineup for the first time since early December after recovering from a broken leg. Florian Wirtz also featured, forming a trio that Liverpool had hoped would play a central role this season.
However, Slot highlighted how rarely the three attackers have been available together. He revealed that prior to this match, they had shared just 88 minutes on the pitch, with only a brief addition during the game before Ekitike’s injury disrupted plans once again.
The manager suggested it is unlikely that the trio will accumulate significantly more playing time together this season. Despite that setback, he pointed to Isak’s return as a positive development amid the ongoing challenges.