Liverpool boss Arne Slot delivered a bleak update on the condition of French striker Hugo Ekitike after the forward was carried off on a stretcher during the Reds’ 2‑0 loss to Paris Saint‑Germain at Anfield.
In the opening half‑hour of the match, Ekitike collapsed after clutching the right‑ankle area, with no opponent nearby. The visible pain forced him to receive immediate treatment before being replaced by Mohamed Salah. Slot, speaking to Amazon Prime, described the injury as “really bad” but admitted he could not yet gauge the full extent.
It looks really bad, but it’s difficult for me to say how bad,
Slot said. “Tomorrow we will investigate further and see how bad it is for him. It doesn’t look good, that’s clear.”
Because of the injury, Ekitike – who has already netted 19 goals for Liverpool and France this season – faces a doubtful World Cup campaign if he cannot recover in time.
Teammate Ibrahima Konaté expressed his concern: “I’m very sad for him. I think it is bad. I send him my prayers.”
Match recap
The loss marked Liverpool’s exit from the Champions League quarter‑finals. After a 2‑0 defeat in the first leg at the Parc des Princes, the Reds needed a miracle at Anfield. Despite creating numerous chances, they were denied by a controversial VAR decision and a disallowed penalty.
Paris Saint‑Germain’s Ousmane Dembele scored twice in the second half to seal a 2‑0 victory, completing a 4‑0 aggregate win and confirming their place in the semi‑finals.
Slot finds positives
Slot highlighted the team’s improvement from the first leg, praising the players’ work rate and the supporters’ energy: “We made a lot of progression compared to last week. I have to give a lot of credit to the players and the fans for helping us execute the game plan.”
He also noted the club’s ongoing struggle with converting chances into goals, citing a low xG (expected goals) tally throughout the season.
Looking ahead
With the Champions League campaign over, Liverpool now turn their focus to the Premier League, aiming to secure a top‑four finish. Their next fixture is the Merseyside derby against Everton on Sunday, 19 April.
Tim Sherwood, appearing on Sky Sports, echoed Slot’s sentiment, suggesting that a strong league performance will be crucial for both the club’s European ambitions and the manager’s future.
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