Hugo Ekitike, a recent high-profile acquisition for Liverpool, appears to have suffered a serious injury during the second leg of the Reds’ quarter-final match against Paris Saint-Germain.
The star newcomer, who joined Anfield for €95 million last summer from Eintracht Frankfurt, sustained the injury during a run in the first half without contact from an opponent. After a lengthy on-field treatment, he had to be stretchered off. Many signs point towards an Achilles tendon rupture.
«I think it’s a very bad injury,» said teammate Ibrahima Konate after the game. «I don’t want to talk too much about it, with everything happening this summer concerning the World Cup as well. But it’s very, very hard for him right now. I’m praying for him!»
LFC coach Arne Slot echoed these sentiments. «It looks really bad, but it’s difficult for me to say how bad,» the Dutchman stated. Further examinations are scheduled for Wednesday.
«Losing a player is something we’ve experienced a lot this season,» Slot commented. He added that it is «especially difficult» for Ekitike, particularly at this stage of the season.
In the 28th minute, Ekitike attempted to chase down a through ball from Dominik Szoboszlai, made a move, slipped slightly, and immediately went to the ground. He was seen clutching his heel and repeatedly shaking his head during the treatment period.
While lying on the pitch, he received comfort from opposing players, with Achraf Hakimi and Willian Pacho holding the hand of the visibly distressed star striker during his treatment.
Mohamed Salah entered the field after half an hour, replacing Ekitike. This development means Ekitike will likely be sidelined for a significant period, potentially missing the World Cup with the French national team.
Salah as a Super-Sub in Potentially His Last Champions League Match?
For Salah, this might have been his final Champions League appearance, as the Reds were unable to overturn the 0-2 deficit from the first leg, ultimately losing the second leg at Anfield 0-2 as well. Both goals for the visitors from Paris were scored by the reigning World Player of the Year, Ousmane Dembele (73rd/90+1st minute).
Salah’s tenure at Liverpool is set to conclude after this season, with the club and player announcing a few weeks ago that his expiring contract would not be extended. There are suggestions that he may move to Saudi Arabia after the season and following the World Cup.
Prior to Christmas, a spat occurred between Salah and the Reds, particularly involving coach Arne Slot. Salah publicly grumbled about his increased substitute role and openly criticized the club and coach. As a consequence, he was excluded from the squad for one match.
While Ekitike has contributed 23 goal involvements in 44 games during his debut season, Salah has been notably under his stellar form from the previous season, when Liverpool surprisingly won the league title again. Currently, the Egyptian has registered eleven goals and nine assists across all competitions.
Against PSG, the 33-year-old showed renewed determination, providing four key passes (xAssist 0.52) and taking one shot himself (0.12 xG). A particularly dramatic moment occurred in the 64th minute when Alexis Mac Allister appeared to win a penalty for the Reds at 0-0, but the decision was overturned by VAR.