Hugo Ekitike injury blow less severe than expected

Hugo Ekitike’s injury is not as serious as first feared after the Liverpool striker was forced off just eight minutes into the defeat against Brighton.

Foot Mercato report that the 23-year-old suffered the knock following an innocuous-looking challenge, sparking concern over a potential lengthy absence.

Initial assessments, however, have brought some relief. Early indications suggest Ekitike is “more frightened than hurt,” with the issue believed to be a heavy thigh contusion rather than a muscle tear or ligament damage. That diagnosis would significantly reduce the risk of a long spell on the sidelines, a crucial boost for Liverpool in a tense phase of the season.

Ekitike will still undergo further medical tests to confirm the exact nature and extent of the injury before a clear recovery timeline is set.

Liverpool’s staff will hope the forward can return quickly, given his growing importance to the squad and the intense schedule in both domestic and European competitions.

Liverpool’s push for a top-five Premier League finish took a major hit and another setback as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat away to Brighton.