Liverpool blow: Slot says Ekitike absence is “devastating” but backs stronger return | OneFootball

Livrerpool Arne Slot has provided an update on Hugo Ekitike with the forward set for a long spell on the sidelines.

Ekitike was stretchered off duringLiverpool's 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League in midweek. The French forward has suffered an Achilles injury, an issue expected to sideline the 23-year-old until 2027.

Liverpool confirmed the news in a club statement: "The forward had to be substituted during the first half of Tuesday's Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield after a slip on the turf. Scans on the issue have subsequently confirmed a rupture of the Achilles tendon."

Ekitike will miss the remainder of thePremier League campaign and this summer's World Cup, with Slot admitting his absence is 'devastating' for Liverpool's leading scorer. However, he backed Ekitike to return 'stronger' after his absence.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's Merseyside Derby with Everton, Slot said: "He hasn't been operated on yet. It is devastating for him, coming to a new club and having such an impact straight away.

"Your first thoughts are always with him, being out for such a long time and missing out on so many special moments. But he is not the first or last player who will experience this and so many have come back even stronger.

"I'm sure in 10, 15 years he will maybe even say this injury helped me to perform at an even higher level than I did before."

Ekitike took to social media on Thursday to address his injury. He thanked the Liverpool fans for their support after a 'hard' moment in his career.

He posted on Instagram: "It's hard, maybe even unfair… but I'm grateful this is happening to me here, among you. I'm not alone.

"Your strength and your love will be my driving force. See you again soon, Anfield."