Liverpool has suffered yet another injury blow, with Hugo Ekitike forced off just minutes into the Reds' Premier League clash with Brighton.
The striker was sent tumbling to the ground after a heavy challenge from former Reds star James Milner. Ekitike limped off the pitch for treatment before making his way back on, but shortly after was substituted as he looked to be in some pain.
Curtis Jones came on to replace him, with the French international in tears as he made his way off the pitch, dealing Liverpool yet another blow as the international break approaches after Saturday's game.
Milner was heavily involved during the opening stages of the game, with a challenge on Dominik Szoboszlai just moments earlier having left Arne Slot fuming on the touchline as the former Liverpool man led with his arm.
Ekitike's withdrawal adds to Slot's worries, with the Reds boss having already been without two of his key players against Brighton.
Mohamed Salah had been ruled out after being asked to be substituted in midweek against Galatasaray, while Alisson Becker is set for another spell on the sidelines, having suffered a fresh injury setback.
Hugo Ekitike was in tears as he was forced off for Liverpool against Brighton
Hugo Ekitike was in tears as he was forced off for Liverpool against Brighton (Image: Getty Images)
Taking to Instagram on Saturday, Alisson wrote: “Unfortunately, I’ll be out of action for a while. Already working hard to be back stronger! Thank you for the support!”
Ekitike's injury comes as Alexander Isak nears a return to action, with Slot revealing on Friday that he hopes to have the striker back in time for the Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain.
"Alex will available [for PSG], yes. The question is what you mean around 'being ready,'" Slot said.
“If you want to have the player who played exactly a year ago against us in the Carabao Cup final — and was too good for us on that day — then I would tell you I have my doubts about that after seven or eight months out.
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“But I expect that I can use him for minutes. Exactly what I get from that I cannot tell you because he hasn't trained with the team even once.”
Liverpool.com says: Losing Ekitike is a huge blow for Liverpool. Fingers crossed it's nothing to serious, but seeing him in tears isn't too promising a sign.
The Reds are going to need him. Although Isak is on his way back, there's no way he can be expected to get up speed immediately, and he will need to be eased back into action.