Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike suffers injury ahead of Manchester City tie
Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike was forced off with a suspected dead leg during the Premier League clash against Brighton, adding to a growing injury list ahead of season-defining cup fixtures.
The young attacker lasted just eight minutes on the south coast after coming off worse in a collision with James Milner.
Despite initially attempting to continue following treatment on the touchline, the Frenchman conceded defeat and was substituted for Curtis Jones.
While the exact severity remains unconfirmed, early indications and match replays suggest the forward has sustained a dead leg.
Crucial cup schedule looms
Manager Arne Slot will be desperate for a positive medical update as his side prepares for a pivotal fortnight following the upcoming international break.
The Merseyside club face Manchester City in an FA Cup quarter-final in early April, before meeting Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last eight just four days later.
With their Premier League title defence long since over, success in those domestic and European knockout ties is paramount to salvaging their campaign.
Mounting fitness concerns
The potential loss of the lightning-fast striker compounds an already severe selection headache at Anfield.
Talismanic winger Mohamed Salah and first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker both missed the trip to the Amex Stadium with their own fitness issues.
The Egyptian star and the Brazilian shot-stopper have subsequently been ruled out of international duty, leaving their availability for the upcoming clash with City in severe doubt.
Meanwhile, long-term absentee Alexander Isak remains sidelined with a broken leg sustained in December, although Slot is hopeful the striker might feature against the French champions.
