Ekitike hopeful over injury concern

Ekitike addresses Liverpool injury blow after Galatasaray defeat

Liverpool’s night in Istanbul was defined by defeat, disruption and discomfort. A 1-0 loss to Galatasaray in the Champions League was not only a second successive setback in all competitions but also another reminder of the fragility of bodies under strain.

Ekitike explains injury concern

The decisive moment on the pitch came from Victor Osimhen’s 16th-minute penalty. Yet by the final whistle, conversation was as much about those unable to finish the match as those who played it.

Alisson Becker left the field in the second half, replaced by Giorgi Mamardashvili. Minutes later, Hugo Ekitike also hobbled off after treatment. Speaking afterwards, Arne Slot admitted the concern. “He felt something when he had to reach for the ball,” said Slot. “I think we all know which one it was when we were trying to force something.”

The Liverpool manager added, “After the game, that’s always the difficult thing with these moments when players feel like it is not too bad, but when you just walk around it is something different than when you make a sprint or have to shoot on target. He said he couldn’t continue so we had to take him off. Let’s see how he is for the weekend.”

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Player’s own words ease fears

As reported by The Athletic’s James Pearce, Ekitike himself offered reassurance to supporters as he left Rams Park. Pearce wrote on X: “Hugo Ekitike confident he only had cramp in his hamstring rather than anything more serious.”

Ekitike is expected to undergo a scan to confirm whether his belief is accurate or if muscle damage has been sustained. For Liverpool fans, his words provide at least a temporary relief after another match shaped by absences.

Photo: IMAGO

Familiar pattern of setbacks

Liverpool have seen this before. Ibrahima Konaté once departed against Arsenal with similar fears, believing his discomfort was only cramp. That proved correct and he reported for international duty days later. The hope for Slot is that Ekitike’s situation follows the same script rather than lengthening a list of injuries that already includes Alisson.

Regardless of test results, the striker is unlikely to start against Chelsea. He missed the defeat to Crystal Palace due to suspension and was replaced against Galatasaray by Alexander Isak, who continues his steady return to full fitness after a disrupted pre-season.

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Slot forced into changes for Chelsea

What is certain is that Liverpool will be without Alisson at Stamford Bridge. Slot confirmed his goalkeeper’s absence, meaning Mamardashvili is in line for his Premier League debut. The Georgian joined from Valencia in the summer for up to £29 million and now has an immediate test in London.

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Liverpool’s ability to manage these setbacks, from the Ekitike injury scare to their goalkeeping reshuffle, may yet determine the rhythm of their season. Defeat in Istanbul has left scars, but the extent of the damage depends on scans, selections and the speed of recovery.