Arne Slot has called Liverpool’s decision to sign two centre-forwards this summer “smart” after Hugo Ekitike ruptured his right Achilles in Tuesday’s Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain. The injury will rule Ekitike out for the rest of the season and the World Cup with France, and could keep him sidelined for a significant part of next season.
Ekitike — who had started his first match since December — was substituted at half-time and will require surgery. Slot described the setback as “devastating” for a player who has just joined the club, but said there are many examples of footballers returning stronger from long-term injuries and urged patience: the recovery could ultimately make him perform at an even higher level.
Slot welcomed the fact Liverpool brought in two No.9s, saying it looked wise given the double blow of Ekitike’s injury and Alexander Isak only just returning from his own lengthy lay-off. He acknowledged Isak is back in the squad but not yet ready to play the full 90 minutes. Slot noted the unlikely timing — Alex returning as Hugo goes off injured — and reiterated that having two options up front was a sensible precaution.
Despite the 2-0 defeat to PSG, Slot pointed to positives from the performance: Liverpool enjoyed more possession, produced 21 shots and generated a high expected-goals figure against a side accustomed to dominating the ball. He said those signs show the team can compete with Europe’s best, even while personnel changes loom with confirmed departures such as Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson.
Slot added that Liverpool remain a trading club and that summer decisions — whether to replace outgoing players like-for-like or take a different approach — will follow once the window arrives.
The immediate focus, he stressed, is securing Champions League football. Liverpool travel to Everton in the Merseyside derby on Sunday, with their recent win over Fulham providing a little breathing space in the race for top-four qualification.
Sky Sports reporter Vinny O’Connor echoed Slot’s assessment: the injury is a major blow, Ekitike is yet to undergo surgery, and changes are expected in the summer squad. Kostas Tsimikas is due back from loan and has a year left on his contract. Short-term debate will continue over whether Liverpool need another striker, but the priority remains ensuring Champions League qualification — any slip-up this weekend would intensify the pressure.