Liverpool’s torrid form continued when they clashed with PSV in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The night began with a handball from Virgil van Dijk, allowing PSV to go 1-0 up inside five minutes.
Dominik Szoboszlai was a rare bright spark and pulled Liverpool back on level terms after 16 minutes.
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Who was Liverpool’s worst player against PSV Eindhoven?
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool handles the ball which later leads to a penalty to PSV Eindhoven during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Liverpool FC and PSV Eindhoven at Anfield
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
However, as has so often been the case this season, the Reds’ backline was not up to par, and when all was said and done, PSV won 4-1.
To make matters worse, Hugo Ekitike was forced off midway through the second half with a knock.
Arne Slot shares Hugo Ekitike injury update
Now, speaking to the media right after the PSV loss, Arne Slot has shared an update on the French centre-forward.
He said: “He felt as if he couldn’t move as he could in the first half, he told me in the first five or 10 minutes [of the second half] he felt his back too much, that’s why he had to go off.
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Fans praised Ekitike for his performance on November 26, suggesting he is much better than Alexander Isak.
But with a West Ham United fixture now on the horizon, the former Eintracht Frankfurt man may not have recovered in time to lead the line.
Hugo Ekitike leaves the pitch during Liverpool FC v PSV Eindhoven - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Every player Liverpool could start as a striker instead of Hugo Ekitike
While Isak is the obvious choice to fill the void should Ekitike remain out of action this weekend, he is lacking match sharpness and probably doesn’t have a full 90 minutes in him.
If that is the case, Cody Gakpo could be handed a rare start up front, in a position he has previously shone in away from Anfield.
Similarly, Federico Chiesa has enjoyed spells as a centre-forward and second-striker in the past.
The Italian has been a bit-part player in 2025/26 but still has five goal contributions to his name.
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