Liverpool’s stance on a replacement for Hugo Ekitike has been reported, while Mo Salah has posted an update from the AXA, and two more players have been linked.
Liverpool “will not” sign replacement for Hugo Ekitike
Ekitike faces a long stint on the sidelines after rupturing his Achilles tendon, throwing Liverpool’s forward plans into disarray as he is not expected to return until 2027.
But the *Telegraph*‘s Dominic King has reported the club “will not look to find a replacement” for the Frenchman in the summer.
He states that Liverpool “are confident” Ekitike “will return to the levels he showed” pre-injury, and “it would not be their style” to spend big after their recent significant outlay in the position.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, April 14, 2026: Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike lies on the floor Injured holding his ankle during the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 2nd Leg match between Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
It places more pressure on Alexander Isak to find form at the start of next season, which could be compromised if he is selected for Sweden’s World Cup campaign, as expected.
It also puts a lot of trust in the existing options and Ekitike’s ability to return at a competitive standard.
Liverpool are on the lookout for new wingers, though, with PSG’s Bradley Barcola namechecked once again. Expect plenty of debate over this one!
LFC News: Mo Salah’s injury update & 2 players linked
• **Mo Salah**‘s recovery from a hamstring injury continued at the AXA, though his shirtless photo could be interpreted one of a few ways after his comments about the club’s culture!
• Arne Slot reportedly received an enquiry from Ajax, but the expectation is he will oversee a third season at Anfield – perhaps not a popular line, apologies!
• Fenway Sports Group’s John Henry has responded to the growing unrest with the Boston Red Sox, insisting it can’t be ignored as “you have to win.” A rare break of silence
• RB Leipzig’s Assan Ouedraogo is described as being on Liverpool’s shortlist, with the club prepared to approach with an offer of around £34.5m for the 19-year-old midfielder (fussballdaten)
• Liverpool have been named among the clubs to have enquired about 26-year-old centre-back Moustapha Mbow. If Ibou stays, a centre-back won’t be high on the priority list (RMC Sport)
Where is Stefan Bajcetic?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 5, 2024: Liverpool's substitute Stefan Bajcetic on the bench before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 4-2. (Photo by Ryan Brown/Propaganda)
It has been two years to this day since the Spaniard’s last Liverpool appearance, and it has led many to question where the young midfielder has been. Jack Lusby has the latest:
“This Is Anfield understands Bajcetic is still working in the gym as part of his rehabilitation, following a setback in his recovery earlier in the year.
“He is not understood to have returned to outdoor work at the AXA Training Centre as of yet, even with individual sessions, and he is not close to rejoining team training.
“It has, therefore, been another lost season.”
Football News: Phil Foden to sign new contract and Kylian Mbappe facing criticism
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Tuesday, November 7, 2023: Manchester City's Phil Foden during the UEFA Champions League Group G match between Manchester City FC and BSC Young Boys at the City of Manchester Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
• Phil Foden is set to sign a new long-term contract at Man City despite losing his starting role under Pep Guardiola. He’s started 31 games this season (BBC Sport)
• Kylian Mbappe has hit back at the criticism aimed at his injury recovery by the Spanish press, with a statement via his agency calling it an “overinterpretation.” He’s not popular in Madrid at the moment! (Independent)
• Chelsea could have up to six players missing for their trip to Anfield on Saturday after two nasty head clashes in their defeat to Forest – some serious stitches were used!
• It’s Champions League semi-final action again tonight, with Arsenal hosting Atletico Madrid. The tie currently stands at 1-1, with the winner to face either Bayern or PSG. C’mon Atleti!
Liverpool FC: On this day
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Thursday, May 5, 2016: Liverpool's Adam Lallana celebrates scoring the third goal against Villarreal during the UEFA Europa League Semi-Final 2nd Leg match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Somehow it has been 10 years since Jurgen Klopp‘s Liverpool beat Villarreal 3-0 at Anfield to reach the Europa League final.
It was a 3-1 win on aggregate after the team returned from Spain with a one-goal deficit.
Daniel Sturridge got the scoring underway early on by instigating an own goal, and then he put the Reds into the lead in the second half, before Adam Lallana made sure of the result.
What you may recall best from the match is Firmino sending Soldado for the Echo in front of the away fans – it was just a sign of things to come from Bobby under Jurgen!