'A big miss' and a Nunez loan - fans on Ekitike injury
[BBC]
[Getty Images]Liverpool have confirmed Hugo Ekitike has ruptured of his Achilles tendon.
The club say he will miss the rest of the season and World Cup, with "further updates" to come at "an appropriate time".
French football journalist Julien Laurens told BBC Sport: "It's also a huge blow I think for Liverpool, not just to finish this season well and make the top five in the Premier League, but also what do they do for next season.
"If they go and sign another forward, then when Ekitike comes back they might have a problem with too many options, but they might have to because if he is out for at least nine months - if it is a full rupture - then they will need something else for next season."
We asked how you feel about the news and for your thoughts on whether Liverpool now need to buy a striker as a result.
Here are some of your comments:
Stephen: Shame about Hugo but he's looked spent these past two months and clearly has been overplayed. Injuries follow when that happens. The forward line needed reinforcing as Salah departs, with Rio still developing and Isak being injury prone. FSG won't outlay like they did last summer so we will probably have to make do. That transition season continues into next for LFC fans. Buckle in for the ride.
Mark: Absolutely gutted for him as a player. So young, to be missing out on the World Cup and I'm worried for Liverpool. Very rare they come back to be the same player again after this injury. Sad.
Alfie: I think we may have to sign another striker. Doesn't have to be a world-class striker. Just someone that will do the trick in Ekitike's absence. Isak is touch and go at the minute so we can't rush him back.
James: Ekitike will be a big miss but if it results in Isak hitting some form, or Gakpo playing through the centre, it may mean someone like Rio will get a bit more of a run out so it could benefit the team ultimately.
Sonny: It's going to sound crazy, but bring in Darwin for a six-month loan until January, when Hugo will likely return. He knows the fans and the club, everybody loved him when he was here, and he can chip in with the odd goal. He never gets a game for Al-Hilal, so I'm sure he would be up for it. We cannot go into next season with only an injury prone Alexander Isak.
Tom: I think that Liverpool should buy a striker who is a a bit more low profile and happy to sit on the bench and come on.
