Slot says striker’s condition “doesn’t look good”; Konate sends prayers with World Cup looming
Liverpool will have to wait for news regarding the fitness of Hugo Ekitike after the forward was forced off during their Champions League quarter-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield.
The France international sustained what appeared to be a serious right ankle injury after slipping in the 27th minute of the second leg on Tuesday. After receiving treatment on the pitch, Ekitike was unable to continue and was stretchered off, with Mohamed Salah coming on as his replacement.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted the early signs were concerning following the 2-0 defeat, which confirmed a 4-0 aggregate win for PSG.
“It doesn’t look good,” Slot said. “It looks really bad, but it’s difficult for me to say how bad. Tomorrow we will investigate further.”
The injury could have implications for both club and country. Ekitike has been a key figure for Liverpool this season, scoring 19 goals, and his absence would be a setback in their push for Champions League qualification. It may also affect France’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup.
Liverpool defender and Ekitike’s France teammate Ibrahima Konate expressed his concern after the match.
“I think it is bad,” Konate said. “I don’t know, I have heard many things, I have no word to talk about that because with the World Cup coming it is very, very hard for him and I send him my prayers.”
Slot also suggested the injury meant Liverpool may no longer be able to field their three expensive summer acquisitions this season,
“For 88 minutes [before] tonight we have played with Florian [Wirtz], Alex and Hugo,” Slot said. “We added about 27 to that tonight and I would be surprised if we add more minutes to that this season. The good thing is Alex is back.”
