Alexander Isak injury opens door for 'sensational' Liverpool ace to become a superstar

Liverpool's first-team squad is bursting at the seams with talent.

Their 2025-26 summer transfer window was impeccable with the Anfield outfit spending over £450 million to improve their ranks.

And, while some of their signings have met expectations, others have failed to live up to the standards they've previously set.

This has caused some unrest among Arne Slot's players as well as the Reds' fanbase.

Things just haven't gone Liverpool's way on more than one occasion this season and with star signing Alexander Isak now out injured for the next few months, times are going to get even tougher for the Anfield outfit.

However, for one of Liverpool's players, Isak's injury could end up being exactly what he needed to leave his mark.

Micah Richards claims Alexander Isak's injury is good news for Hugo Ekitike

One of the main areas that Slot and Richard Hughes chose to upgrade in the summer transfer window was their attack.

Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz were the two biggest-named attackers who were moved on which meant that there was two massive gaps for the Anfield outfit to plug in summer.

They managed to do this by signing Isak and Hugo Ekitike but with both players performing at their best when used as a number nine, there has been some issues with balance.

And, while Isak's injury likely means that his impact on the season is going to be minimal, Micah Richards believes it's exactly what Ekitike needed to prove his worth and get a decent run of games under Slot.

While speaking on The Rest is Football Podcast, former Man City ace Richards gave his thoughts on Isak's injury and what it could mean for Ekitike.

“I wanted to see them both [Isak and Ekitike] play together at some stage,” he said.

“It was the time to see it, especially with Spurs having 10 men at the time.

“I was like, ‘come on, show us what you’ve got, show us your movement, show us your chemistry or try to build that chemistry,’ and then Isak goes off.

“Forget the injury, for Ekitike it’s good now because he’ll probably get a run in the team.

“But I wanted to see them both together, get that partnership, especially with Salah going to AFCON.”

Hugo Ekitike could become a superstar over the next few months

Consistent gametime is the best way for any player to improve their skillset.

And, from the very start of the season, it was clear that Liverpool had signed a rather impressive talent when Ekitike bagged a goal on his debut.

However, there was always the overarching question of what would happen to the Frenchman upon Isak's return.

And, although Slot often denied it, it was clear that the former Eintracht Frankfurt ace has been his second-choice striker this term.

On the face of things, it's clear why he made this choice but in reality, the Frenchman was performing far better than Isak was, even though he cost Liverpool much less to sign.

But, now that Isak is out of the question and Federico Chiesa isn't trusted by Slot, there's no reason why the France international can't prove his worth and live up to the potential he's shown over the last couple of seasons.

With regular gametime and a starting XI that isn't likely to change all that much, relationships could start to form and with Ekitike the man leading the line, he could quickly become key for Liverpool.

The fact that he's already been dubbed "sensational" for his recent escapades across all competitions proves how much he has to give and how good he's already proven himself to be.

Isak's injury is the last thing anyone wanted, but in Ekitike's eyes, it's probably the break he's been looking for.