According to Arne Slot, Liverpool's decision to sign two centre-forwards in the summer now seems like a smart move, especially given Hugo Ekitike's devastating injury. Ekitike will miss the remainder of the season and the World Cup with France due to a ruptured Achilles tendon. Slot believes Ekitike will come back stronger than ever, citing examples of players who have overcome similar injuries to perform at an even higher level. The timing of Ekitike's injury is unfortunate, with Alexander Isak only just returning from his own long-term layoff.
Slot started Isak in his first match since December, but he struggled to make an impact and was substituted at half-time. Slot acknowledged that having signed two No 9s is now a good thing, given the debate over whether it was necessary.
He also expressed optimism about the team's future, despite the 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, pointing to their ability to generate 21 shots and have a high xG. Liverpool's focus is now on securing Champions League football, starting with the Merseyside derby against Everton. Slot believes the team has shown it can compete with the best in Europe and is confident about the future, although he acknowledges changes will be made in the summer, including the departures of Mo Salah and Andy Robertson.