Ekitike Suffers Worrying Injury as Liverpool Exits Champions League

Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed concern over Hugo Ekitike's injury, describing it as 'really bad' after the forward was stretchered off during the team's Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. The injury occurred just before the half-hour mark, with Ekitike clutching his right ankle area in visible pain. He was replaced by Mohamed Salah, and Slot suggested the injury was 'not good,' sparking fears of an Achilles injury. Speaking after the match, Slot stated, 'He's not good. We could all see that it didn't look good.' The manager added that the extent of the injury would be investigated further the following day. Ekitike has scored 19 goals for Liverpool and France this season and was likely to feature for his country in the World Cup if fit. Ibrahima Konate offered his support, saying, 'I'm very sad for him. I think it is bad.' Despite the setback, Slot took positives from Liverpool's performance, noting the team's improvement compared to the first leg. The Reds' attention now turns to ensuring they qualify for next season's Champions League, starting with Sunday's derby against Everton. Tim Sherwood praised Liverpool's performance, stating, 'Liverpool were the better team tonight. If they play like that, they will 100 per cent qualify for the Champions League.'