Hugo Ekitike injury update as Liverpool striker set for scans | OneFootball

Striker’s World Cup dreams are hanging in the balance

Ekitike’s hopes of featuring for France at the upcoming World Cup are hanging in the balance after suffering suspected Achilles damage against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night.

With a little over half an hour played at Anfield, the striker collapsed to the pitch clutching his lower right leg before being replaced by Mohamed Salah.

Amid suggestions that Ekitike had ruptured an Achilles tendon, Arne Slot admitted after the game: "It looks really bad, but difficult for me to say how bad.

"[On Wednesday] we will investigate this further. Let's see, but it doesn't look good."

Ekitike’s injury came on the same night strike partner Alexander Isak was handed his first start since breaking his leg in December.

A timid display saw Isak replaced at half-time, leaving Liverpool without a recognised striker as they fell to a 2-0 defeat to PSG to crash out of the Champions League quarter-finals.

"Losing a player is something we have had many times this season, but it is especially hard for him because you never want to be injured, especially at this time of the season," added Slot.

"The good thing is Alex is back."

Liverpool are next in action on Sunday in the final Merseyside derby of the season, taking place at the Hill Dickinson Stadium for the first time.