Hugo Ekitike Injury Update: Latest Details, Recovery Timeline and Impact on Team

The reigning champions of England, Liverpool FC, have finally been defeated. The Reds won every single game in the English top flight before the clash against Crystal Palace, where Arne Slot's men fell to a 2-1 defeat to the reigning FA Cup Champions. They kick-started their UEFA Champions League with a 3-2 win over Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid. However, they suffered back-to-back defeats, losing their second UCL game against Turkish giants Galatasaray 1-0. However, the defeat in Istanbul also came with two bad injuries that would haunt Arne Slot for the next few games.

Goalkeeper Alisson Becker was subbed off in the 56th minute to make way for Mamardashvili. A double blow came after French forward Hugo Ekitike had to make way for Alexis Mac Allister in the 68th minute. In this article, we shall find out the extent of Ekitike's injury and when he will possibly return for Liverpool.

Hugo Ekitike Injury Details

In the 68th minute at Istanbul, Hugo Ekitike succumbed to an injury after attempting to reach a pass, leaving him limping. His gesture pointed towards discomfort towards the back of his thigh or leg. Following the match, Liverpool issued a medical update confirming that Ekitike will undergo assessment by the club’s medical staff to determine the extent of the injury and estimated time of arrival back on the field.

After the defeat to Galatasaray, Liverpool released an official statement that said, “Ekitike was replaced on 68 minutes … he is set to undergo assessment by the club’s medical staff.” In the post-match press conference, Arne Slot said, “He felt something when he had to reach for the ball … He said he couldn’t continue, so we had to take him off. Let’s see how he is for the weekend. After the game, that’s always the difficult thing … walking around is different to when you make a sprint or have to take a shot on target.”

How Does Hugo Ekitike's Injury Affect Liverpool?

Hugo Ekitike's injury has left a big void in the attacking unit of Liverpool. Given that there is uncertainty about Isak's 100% match fitness, Slot will need to explore other options. The good thing is Liverpool has enough depth in their attacking unit that in the absence of their French forward, they have plenty of quality players who can fill his boots. Ekitike had been brilliant so far, scoring thrice this season, despite conceding a red card.

Mohammed Salah or Federico Chiesa may be asked to step into that centre forward role, or Slot will need to do some tactical changes. It is highly unlikely that Slot will try a new young face ahead of two crucial games after back-to-back defeats recently.

When is Hugo Ekitike Return Date?

Liverpool's win-halt came at a very difficult time. Also, Ekitike and Alisson's injuries come as a double blow. Liverpool will face Chelsea and Manchester United next in the English Premier League before locking horns against Ekitike's former team, Eintracht Frankfurt. Hugo Ekitike return date is currently unknown, but as things suggest, he might miss a match or two, but could be back against Frankfurt for Liverpool's next UCL fixture. There is approximately two weeks' break before the Reds take on Man United after a visit to Stamford Bridge next weekend.