After crashing out of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, Liverpool will now focus on qualifying for the tournament next season, with fresh injury concerns to worry about, news.ng reports.
Recall that Hugo Ekitike ruptured his Achilles tendon during the first half of Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on Tuesday, a situation which ordinarily should have left head coach Arne Slot more worried as they face Everton on Sunday in the Merseyside derby.
However, Slot, during a pre-match press conference on Friday, said the club was thinking ahead when they signed two strikers, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, during the summer transfer window.
According to the Dutchman, it now makes sense why they not only brought in Ekitike but also went for Isak, who has just recovered from an injury that sidelined him for four months.
He said, “First of all, it’s at least a good thing we’ve signed two No.9s because there were a lot of people who were debating why we signed two No.9s. We thought maybe it’s a smart idea not to be the only club in the world that only has one No.9, so that’s why we signed two.
“Now all of a sudden, that looks maybe quite good and maybe, maybe – I don’t know – people are questioning now if we should sign in the summer another No.9. Someone said to me the day after [PSG], you cannot write the script that on the day that Alex is back after four months of injuries, first start, the same day the other one leaves the pitch with a long-term injury.”
On Isak’s return to action, Slot noted that while the Swede was away, he was able to devise a means of fielding a player who is not a natural striker. He expressed excitement that the player is back, but cautioned that he will not be available for the full ninety minutes until he fully recovers.
He added, “It’s a good thing Alex is back now, even more, of course, although it wouldn’t be the first game that I have to play without a particular type in a particular position; I’ve had many games this season I didn’t have the right full-back available, for example.
“So, we would have adjusted to that as well, but it’s nice to have Alex back, although we also know that he’s not ready to play 90 yet.”
Liverpool will travel to Everton on Sunday afternoon to renew their chase for a top-four spot in the Premier League table, as they are currently fifth with 52 points, behind Aston Villa and Manchester United, who both have 55 points.
