Slot on 'devastating' Ekitike injury, Gomez's absence & Merseyside derby

TL;DR

Hugo Ekitike will miss the rest of the season due to an Achilles injury, while Joe Gomez is also ruled out for the Merseyside derby against Everton. Liverpool's manager Arne Slot discussed squad changes and the significance of the upcoming match.

Key points

Hugo Ekitike out for the season with an Achilles injury
Joe Gomez ruled out for the Merseyside derby
Arne Slot discusses potential squad changes
Alexander Isak returns from injury, ready for more responsibility

LiverpoolEvertonPremier League

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League Merseyside Derby against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium (14:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

Slot was asked to react to the news Hugo Ekitike will miss the rest of the season and the World Cup with an Achilles injury: "He hasn't been operated yet. Devastating for him, coming to a new club and playing so well with so much more to come from him in the summer. First thoughts are with him being out for such along time, missing out on so many special moments. But there are so many examples of players who came back even stronger and that's the challenge he has now."
He also confirmed defender Joe Gomez will not be fit for Sunday.
On if he is expecting major changes to the squad in the summer: "The second leg against PSG does show the future does look bright. This team has already shown in other moments they can compete with best in Europe. I don't think in numbers [major chnages], I think in areas and of players we already know will leave. We are a trading club so let's see what happens in the summer."
More on potential incomings and outgoings: "We know we are changing at least two players, but Kostas [Tsimikas] is coming back. First aim is to see how we react in position of Mo Salah, whether we want to replace with a similar player or do that differently. At this moment in time there's not a chance of a lot of players leaving. Of course there's Ibou Konate's contract situation. There might not be a need to change a lot if you don't need to bring a lot of players in."
Slot was complimentary of the performance in defeat against Paris St-Germain: "They showed a lot of character. Being the better team against PSG is very complicated, let alone in three games in seven days. A lot of my players broke records in terms of physical output, that tells you how strong and ready they are. That won't be any different on Sunday."
On the first Merseyside derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium: "Always a very special game. First one always makes it more special if that's possible. They are in a very good place at the moment. You can add one or two percent to how special it is because it is the first one in a new stadium."