Hugo Ekitike was on top-form across social media as he sent a message to Liverpool teammate Ryan Gravenberch
Hugo Ekitike during a Liverpool game
Hugo Ekitike sent a message to Ryan Gravenberch after Liverpool beat Qarabag(Image: Getty Images)
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Liverpool star Hugo Ekitike has aimed a tongue-in-cheek Marc Guehi jibe at Ryan Gravenberch. The Frenchman has made the joke toward his Reds teammate after the midfielder was forced to deputise alongside Virgil van Dijk due to injury and selection problems at Anfield.
Gravenberch, 23, was named in the Reds' back four for the Champions League showdown with Qarabag as his side booked their place in the Round of 16 with a comprehensive 6-0 win over the Azerbaijan side. The Dutch international was forced to move further back as Ibrahima Konate remains unavailable due to compassionate leave, while Joe Gomez suffered fresh injury problems in the dramatic defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday.
Ekitike couldn't resist a quip at his Liverpool teammate and in doing so, name-dropped Guehi - a Liverpool target before signing for Manchester City this month.
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Gravenberch posted a carousel of pictures to social media platform Instagram, alongside the caption: "Top 8." His Liverpool teammates rushed to support him, while Ekitike lauded his performance and commented: "Guehi!!! [crying with laughter emoji]."
Whether the summer arrival is likening Gravenberch's performance to one of Guehi's remains to be seen. Ekitike may have been poking fun at Liverpool's transfer misfortune after the defender's move to Anfield fell through, with the Selhurst Park club pulling the plug on the deal.
Hugo Ekitike's 'Guehi' comment to Ryan Gravenberch
Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike left a hilarious comment on Ryan Gravenberch's social media.(Image: Instagram)
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It comes a matter of weeks after the 25-year-old's uncertain future was finally settled. Guehi had undergone a Liverpool medical on transfer deadline day during the summer window but South London chiefs declined to finalise the deal.
Liverpool have endured mounting injury problems in recent months, beginning with Giovanni Leoni, who suffered a serious knee injury on his debut which ruled him out for the rest of the season.
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Van Dijk and Konate have been the long-standing partnership at the back for the Reds, while Gomez has offered alternatives but has endured his own injury issues.
Konate has missed Liverpool's last three matches as he dealt with a personal matter following the death of his father. Gomez was forced off in the first-half against Bournemouth on Saturday, it meant that Liverpool went into the Champions League decider with just one recognised central defender.
There had been January links with Guehi, who was due to be a free agent in the summer upon the expiry of his contract, but Pep Guardiola's side swooped in to fix their own defensive issues.
Speaking after making the move to the North West, months after his Liverpool move fell through. He said: "It was very close.
"Very close. The medical was pretty much done and then it got pulled at the last minute.
"My mindset is what will be, will be. It would be doing Palace a disservice if I was acting a certain way because the club's given me everything.
"The least I can do is show up to work every single day, shut my mouth and keep my head down. I think that's the most important thing."