Arne Slot has admitted Hugo Ekitike could be facing a significant injury after the striker was stretchered off during Liverpool’s Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
The 22-year-old went down off the ball in the first half of the quarter-final second leg at Anfield, visibly in pain while clutching his ankle before being taken off.
Slot delivers worrying update
Speaking after the 2-0 loss, Slot did not downplay the severity of the situation.
“Hugo looks really bad but it is difficult to say how bad,” he said.
“Let’s see. It doesn’t look good, that is clear. I didn’t see him at half-time and after the game he was already home. I have not spoken to him yet.”
The early signs point to a potentially lengthy absence, which would represent a major disruption to Liverpool’s attacking structure at a critical stage of the season.
World Cup hopes in doubt
Ekitike, who joined Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer, has been a key contributor with 17 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions.
A prolonged layoff could now jeopardise his chances of representing France at the upcoming World Cup.
Teammate Ibrahima Konate acknowledged the emotional toll of the injury.
“I think it is bad… with the World Cup coming it is very, very hard for him and I send him my prayers,” Konate said.