Hugo Ekitike’s injury against Brighton and Hove Albion was not serious, with early indications suggesting that the Liverpool striker has avoided a major injury.
French journalist Santi Aouna reports that that Ekitike suffered ‘more of a scare’ than ‘anything serious’.
According to his information, Ekitike has suffered a ‘severe thigh contusion’. Liverpool are awaiting further examinations before putting a timeline on his absence. The good news, though, is that the injury is not a serious one.
Brighton injury
Ekitike was forced off just seven minutes into the clash with Brighton. He appeared to suffer a dead leg following a late challenge from James Milner.
The French striker was left banging the turf in pain before hobbling to the sidelines. After a brief attempt to play on, he went down again and was replaced by Curtis Jones before heading straight down the tunnel.
International doubt
It was a worrying moment for Liverpool. They were already without Mohamed Salah and Alisson for the trip to the south coast. Alexander Isak also remains a long-term absentee.
It also put Ekitike in doubt for the international break. He has been called up by France for the friendlies against Brazil and Colombia next week. But he is now a doubt for both games.
Aouna reports that that the 23-year-old has avoided a major injury at least. A severe thigh contusion is no laughing matter, though.
While a mild Grade 1 injury usually requires at least a week, a severe one can often cause an absence of 4-8 weeks. Given Ekitike’s injury has been described as ‘severe’, he could now be facing weeks out.
What it means for Liverpool
That would be a major blow to Liverpool as they battle to try and finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League.
Ekitike is their top goalscorer this season with 17 goals in all competitions and losing him for an extended period of time could be hugely damaging.
