Liverpool's worst fears come true with Ekitike heart-break

Liverpool's worst fears come true with Ekitike heart-break

Liverpool were beaten 2-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League clash on Tuesday evening.

Going into the tie, Arne Slot's men were trailing Luis Enrique's by two goals with this being the last trophy that the Anfield outfit could win this season.

Throughout most of the 2025-26 campaign, Liverpool have been on the back foot with fans giving up any sort of expectations they had for this season within the first couple of months.

Defeats to West Ham United, PSV and Wolves have plagued their season and, after their game against PSG, it seems like their bad luck is never going to stop.

Hugo Ekitike was stretchered off vs PSG

The fact that Slot chose to start both Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike generated some excitement amongst the Reds' fanbase.

Tuesday's clash was the first time that all five of the Reds' main summer signings managed to start a game together with some fans expecting miracles.

And, to be fair to Liverpool, they put in a decent performance but once again, their final third play let them down.

Despite having Isak, Ekitike, Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai all on the pitch, any attack they created was instantly squandered.

And, to make matters worse, Ekitike was forced off the pitch due to injury.

The Frenchman did try and get back up but he instantly collapsed and pointed towards his Achilles.

Just when Slot thought he was finally going to all of his players available to choose from, yet another injury has plagued his team which has certainly put the club in a pickle as we head towards the end of the season.

Who could fill in for Hugo Ekitike if his injury is long-term?

The most obvious option to replace Ekitike would be Isak.

But, since Slot will want to ease him back into fitness due to his long-term absence, the Dutchman may have to get creative when looking for a striker among his ranks.

Salah could obviously be used there but, in reality, it's clear that Slot is never going to do that otherwise he'd have done it earlier in the season.

That leaves Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha.

None of the aforementioned trio are natural strikers and even though Gakpo may have played well there last term, without Luis Diaz and an in-form Salah, the Dutchman often looks lost when used centrally.

Chiesa would be another logical choice but, as Slot has shown this term, he clearly doesn't think the Italian has what it takes to be a Liverpool player.

And, since Ngumoha has never played as a striker, it's hard to see him putting the 17-year-old in, even if it is just for a game or two.

Liverpool's last few Premier League games are crucial so, if Slot wants to ensure that they get Champions League football next year, he best ensure that every choice he makes is correct, otherwise it could be curtains for the Dutchman.