Liverpool's Champions League exit was compounded by a suspected Achilles injury to Hugo Ekitike, who was carried off during the second half of Tuesday's 2-0 home defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. The result confirmed a 4-0 aggregate loss to the holders, ending the Reds' European campaign.
According to The Athletic, Ekitike is expected to be sidelined for several months after sustaining a suspected Achilles rupture. The French striker could therefore miss the World Cup in June and may also be unavailable for the opening months of next season. Liverpool have yet to confirm the injury, with the club focusing on the 37th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.
The report suggests the injury could have significant ramifications for Liverpool's transfer activity. With Mohamed Salah poised to leave and Federico Chiesa also likely to depart, the attacking lineup for the 2026-27 campaign could consist solely of Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha, a situation described as 'bound to have an impact on the club's summer transfer plans'.
Arne Slot acknowledged the challenges ahead after the PSG defeat, noting that the club is losing Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson on free transfers, following Trent Alexander-Arnold's exit last season. He told Prime Video: "This model of the club means we need to sell, usually, to buy. So it's a big challenge. It was already last season. It's going to be a challenge in the summer again."
Slot remained positive about the squad's prospects, adding: "I think we have signed very good and talented players. Now let's hope they are all fit... As I've said many times, the future looks really good, especially if we can add a few good signings after the players leaving this summer." Tuesday's loss confirmed that Slot's second campaign at Anfield will end without silverware.
