Hugo Ekitike lasted lower than half-hour of Liverpool’s Champions League tie with Paris Saint-Germain.
Hugo Ekitike injured on the ground. (Picture: Getty)
Liverpool have been dealt a significant harm blow after Hugo Ekitike was stretchered off within the first half of their Champions League conflict with Paris Saint-Germain. The French ahead, taking part in towards his former membership, slipped on the turf and fell to the ground, instantly calling for the physio.
PSG captain Marquinhos even requested that the medical workers rush onto the pitch and tried to assist Ekitike, however the striker was unable to get again to his toes. A stretcher was shortly summoned and Ekitike made approach for Mohamed Salah, who surprisingly began on the bench.
The harm has thrown a spanner within the works for Arne Slot, who began with each Ekitike and Isak, regardless of informing the media previous to kick-off that the latter might solely play for 45 minutes.
Slot probably deliberate for the 2 strikers to mix for the primary half, earlier than introducing Salah and reverting to a extra acquainted 4-3-3 form, having began with two up entrance and a midfield diamond.
However Ekitike’s harm scuppers such concepts, with no different recognised central striker on the pitch. Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa are different ahead choices, nonetheless.
PSG left-back Nuno Mendes was additionally pressured off with an harm 10 minutes later and had to get replaced by Lucas Hernandez.
Hugo Ekitike getting stretchered off. (Picture: Getty)
Liverpool wanted at the very least two targets earlier than kick-off and to lose their prime goalscorer in Ekitike comes as a significant blow, with Isak confirmed to solely be capable of play one half of soccer.
When requested in regards to the choice to play each strikers collectively, Slot replied: “Should you embody [Florian] Wirtz to that, it is just 88 minutes they play collectively.
“The considering is that, as everyone knows, we have to rating targets, and there are targets in these gamers. They’re two goal males, two gamers we will play into.
“They’ll rating targets, as I simply mentioned, and as you won’t know, Alex will be unable to play way more than 45 minutes.
“If it’s important to carry him with the potential for extra-time, then it is smart for me to begin.”
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Isak broke his leg towards Tottenham in December and returned to the squad for the primary time final week.
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