Liverpool’s attempt at a comeback against PSG got off to a nightmare start with Hugo Ekitike forced off after just half an hour of play.
The Frenchman started alongside Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz for just the second time this season, but the three players Liverpool are building a future around barely got the chance to string two passes together.
It didn’t look great. Ekitike was stretchered off after 30 minutes, and former Liverpool star Daniel Sturridge knows all about what the Frenchman is going through. He has looked at the incident and came to a rather concerning conclusion.
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Daniel Sturridge reacts to Hugo Ekitike’s injury vs PSG
From the moment he went to ground, it was clear that Ekitike would not be able to continue.
As a player who dealt with his fair share of injuries during his time at Anfield, Sturridge is uniquely positioned to assess the current Liverpool number nine’s injury.
On the broadcast (via BBC Sport), he remarked: “I am honestly so devastated for him, I can’t imagine his emotions right now. It looks to be a bad one.
“Praying for him of course, moments like this are moments you never want to feel as a footballer. I feel so sorry for him right now, it’s a big shame.”
Hugo Ekitike goes down injured against PSG
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
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Whatever chance Liverpool had of turning the tie around, it was dented by Ekitike being forced off. Mo Salah’s dropping was a controversial issue, but he got to come on earlier than planned.
Hugo Ekitike injury the best-case scenario
As much as the loss of Ekitike will sting, it comes right as Isak returns to action for Liverpool.
Squad depth is a big issue for the Reds this season, and an injury to any other department would be detrimental.
At least with the loss of Ekitike, we have adequate cover. This is now a chance for the Swede to stake his claim for the role of starting striker after spending most of his Liverpool career on the sidelines.
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