Liverpool's dismal run of form has been compounded by a fresh injury concern for forward Hugo Ekitike, casting doubt over his availability for Sunday's must-win Premier League encounter against West Ham United.
Injury Blow During PSV Defeat
The French attacker was forced off in the 61st minute of Liverpool's 4-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven after struggling with a back problem. Manager Arne Slot confirmed the substitution was necessary after Ekitike reported discomfort early in the second half.
"Especially at the start of the second half, I constantly felt, 'What's wrong with Hugo?'" Slot revealed. "It felt as if he couldn't move as he did in the first half. He just told me that in the first five to 10 minutes of the first half he already felt his back too much. That's also why he had to go out."
Mounting Pressure on Champions
Ekitike's potential absence adds to Liverpool's growing crisis as they prepare for what many are describing as a must-win pressure game at the London Stadium. The defeat to PSV marked Liverpool's ninth loss in twelve matches, representing their worst run of results in over seventy years.
The champions have now conceded at least three goals in their last three consecutive defeats, with the mood at Anfield turning increasingly bleak despite Slot lifting the Premier League title just six months ago.
Isak Opportunity Amidst Crisis
Record signing Alexander Isak, who replaced Ekitike against PSV, could be in line to start against West Ham. The Swedish international hasn't scored for Liverpool since September and has struggled to find form after missing pre-season and dealing with his own injury problems.
While Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard insisted the club isn't yet in "crisis," he delivered a stark warning about the team's current trajectory. "Crisis is a very strong word and disrespectful to the players and manager who have served this football club," Gerrard stated on TNT Sports. "I wouldn't use that word but this team is on a terrible run, they just keep bleeding. They're wide open and unless the manager can find a solution it's going to continue."
Slot is expected to provide a further update on Ekitike's condition during his pre-match press conference on Thursday as Liverpool desperately seek to end their alarming losing streak.
