Hugo Ekitiké
LIV
France
Right
Jun 20, 2002
23
6'3"
168 lb
CF
--
Poacher
LiverpoolGoalless FA Cup outing
Ekitike recorded two shots (one on target) in Saturday's 4-0 loss to Manchester City.
Analysis: Ekitike failed to score for a second match in a row Saturday, although he only played eight minutes before coming off injured in his last outing, as both shots went to waste against City. The forward remains at 15 goals between FA Cup, league and UCL play this season with Liverpool, coming in 41 appearances.
Takes larger role with France
Ekitike (thigh) has fully recovered from the thigh knock he picked up against Brighton before the break, starting and scoring in France's 2-1 win over Brazil before coming off the bench in Sunday's victory against Colombia, according to L'Equipe.
Analysis: Ekitike looked like a real concern heading into the break after the thigh issue, but the 23-year-old answered every question in emphatic fashion on the international stage. Operating from the left flank, he looked right at home alongside Kylian Mbappe and is now firmly in the conversation as a potential World Cup starter for Les Bleus. Back at Liverpool, expect him to return fully fit and with serious momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. The forward has scored 15 goals and delivered six assists in 40 appearances across all competitions this season for the Reds.
Joins France for duty
Ekitike (thigh) was spotted arriving at Clairefontaine for international duty with France, according to L'Equipe.
Analysis: Ekitike took a thigh knock in a challenge with James Milner during Saturday's loss to Brighton, but the striker appears to have come through it well after being seen arriving at Clairefontaine for France duty. He will likely be checked out by France's medical staff to make sure the thigh is fully fine, and the forward will be hoping that is the case since this break gives him a legit shot to showcase his upside. With the World Cup getting closer, Ekitike has a real opportunity to make his case for a starting role with France.
Suffers thigh knock
Ekitike was forced off early during Saturday's clash against Brighton due to a thigh knock, according to Santi Aouna from Foot Mercato.
Analysis: Ekitike took a bad challenge from James Milner early in Saturday's clash against the Seagulls and had to come off in the eighth minute after trying twice to stay in the game. The Frenchman will be evaluated over the coming days to determine the extent of the issue, but he is likely to miss international duty with France to give himself time to recover if the knock is revealed significant. Until he gets back up to full speed, Cody Gakpo is expected to step into a bigger role for the Reds.
Scores Wednesday
Ekitike scored one goal to go with seven shots (three on goal) and three chances created in Wednesday's 4-0 victory versus Galatasaray.
Analysis: Ekitike scored once during Wednesday's rout, as well as creating three chances and taking seven shots. The striker was constantly involved throughout the match and could have had a hat trick with slightly better finishing. Ekitike remains the brilliant lead to an inconsistent Liverpool attack.
Brilliant in rout
Ekitike scored one goal and assisted twice from two shots and two chances created in Saturday's 5-2 win against West Ham United.
Analysis: Ekitike scored and added a pair of assists during Saturday's win, putting together a truly excellent showing. The striker was brilliant throughout the match and caused issues for the backline throughout the match. Ekitike has truly been one of the few bright spots in a hopelessly disappointing Liverpool campaign.
Three shots in win
Ekitike generated three shots (one on goal) in Sunday's 1-0 victory versus Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Ekitike took three shots during Sunday's win, but failed to really test the goalkeeper much throughout the match. It was competitive throughout, but for the most part Ekitike was held out of the match. He's still a dangerous attacking option whenever he starts, but the team around him has often struggled creatively.
Three shots in Sunday's loss
Ekitike had three shots (zero on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-1 defeat versus Manchester City.
Analysis: Ekitike recorded three shots in Sunday's loss, but he was unable to put a single shot on target. He also created one chance on the attack, a disappointing performance coming off four goal contributions across his last two matches (all competitions). He added two clearances and one tackle as he played the full 90 minutes for the first time since Jan. 17.
Briliant brace
Ekitike scored two goals to go with six shots (four on goal) in Saturday's 4-1 win over Newcastle United.
Analysis: Ekitike scored two goals and was brilliant throughout Saturday's drubbing of Newcastle United. The striker continues to show how good he can be at the very top level, causing issues for the backline throughout and finishing clinically. Ekitike has done brilliantly well to show that even with Alexander Isak out of the squad due to injury he can lead the line perfectly well.
Scores, assists in rout
Ekitike scored one goal and assisted once from six shots and two chances created in Wednesday's 6-0 victory versus Qarabag.
Analysis: Ekitike scored and assisted during Wednesday's dominating performance, lighting up the scoresheet in a big way. It was never even slightly competitive and Ekitike was excellent throughout. He will hope to build on that when Liverpool return to domestic action for some undoubtedly harder matches.
Involved in two goals in return
Ekitike (hamstring) scored one goal and assisted once in 35 minutes as a substitute in Monday's FA Cup win over Barnsley.
Analysis: Ekitike regained fitness following a two-game absence and took advantage of the cup match to produce a couple of goal contributions during the final minutes. He'll be back in contention and likely to lead the front line for a side that is now without Alexander Isak (ankle). Having scored six goals and two assists over his last seven games across all competitions, Ekitike could be reliable for offensive output going forward.
Hopeful for cup match
Ekitike (hamstring) is a late call for Monday's match against Barnsley, according to manager Arne Slot. "Hugo, that is not 100 per cent sure but we will do everything to have him available on Monday."
Analysis: Ekitike is working to be available for the club's opening FA Cup match, with the forward now a late call to face Barnsley. It will likely come down to a fitness test ahead of the match, although they won't risk him, as they are facing a team they should easily dispatch. Even if he is only available from the bench, it will secure his fitness for the Jan. 17 match against Burnley when they return to league play.
Ruled out vs. Arsenal
Ekitike (hamstring) is out for Thursday's match against Arsenal, freelance soccer reporter Chris Royce reports.
Analysis: Ekitike had yet to resume training as of Wednesday, so it's not surprising to see him out for this match. This is a huge blow for a Liverpool side that's also missing Mohamed Salah (AFCON) and Alexander Isak (ankle), so Cody Gakpo might end up playing as a striker against the Gunners.
Still has to resume training
Ekitike (hamstring) still has to resume team training and remains a doubt for Thursday's clash against Arsenal, coach Arne Slot said in the press conference. "Hugo has not trained with us until now. Let's see if he can today. I've said when we played Fulham he wasn't going to be out for long but as games come too fast, he is in between maybe training with the team or taking one or two days extra."
Analysis: Ekitike hasn't yet resumed team training following his hamstring issue that made him miss the last game against Fulham. The Frenchman will hope to resume training on Wednesday but remains a doubt to face the Gunners on Thursday, as he could also be given one or two extra days of rest. If he were to miss a second game in a row, Cody Gakpo would be expected to replace him as the striker.
Hopes to play against Arsenal
Ekitike missed the last game due to a slight hamstring injury he felt during the final training session before the clash and will hope the issue is related to delayed onset muscle soreness in order to return for Thursday's clash against Arsenal, coach Arne Slot said in a press conference, according to the Liverpool Echo. "Yes, he travelled because he felt something during the training session. He felt something during the MRI scan and we got the results when we were flying. We were hoping it was a bit of DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness), which he also had. It's not a big surprise he gets a bit of DOMS. We were hoping it would be DOMS and we could have used him as a sub but, unfortunately, we saw a bit more and couldn't take a risk."
Analysis: Ekitike travelled with the team to face Fulham on Sunday but ultimately missed the clash due to a slight hamstring injury. The striker has been playing more than expected due to injuries in the frontline and was set to rotate because of delayed onset muscle soreness, according to coach Arne Slot. That said, the issue appears to be minor, as the club hopes to have him fit for Thursday's clash against Arsenal. If he were to miss additional time, Cody Gakpo would likely start as the striker again for the Reds.
Out due to minor issues
Ekitike is out for Sunday's match against Fulham due to minor fitness issues, according to his club. "That has led to the fact that he picked up a slight hamstring injury, because we had to play him more and more and more minutes. For a player that's his age and is not used to the Premier League completely, that has been a bit too much. So, that's why he will be out for today and hopefully be back for the Arsenal game, but that's definitely not sure yet."
Analysis: Ekitike is missing out Sunday and leaving the club without their lead forward this season. The good news is that this is only a minor fitness injury and he is likely to have a quick turnaround, probably missing out as caution with a busy schedule ahead. He hopes to make Thursday's match against Arsenal, with Florian Wirtz taking his spot against Fulham.
Assists Wirtz for his first goal
Ekitike assisted once to go with four shots (zero on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-1 victory against Wolverhampton.
Analysis: Ekitike reached 10 goal involvements by providing his second assist of the season. In his last four Premier League games, he has scored five goals and provided an assist in this game. He took four shots but was unable to put any on target. This is the first time in the last five games that he hasn't put a shot on target. This is the sixth time in all competitions this season that the forward has taken at least four shots, and the second time he hasn't put any on target.
Scores in win
Ekitike scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur.
Analysis: Ekitike rose highest and scored a towering header during Saturday's win, his goal proving crucial as Tottenham scored late. Ekitike has been one of the lone bright spots for a struggling Liverpool side and continues to thrive as a finisher. He hasn't been as active as a creator as many expected, but as long as he continues to finish efficiently he will retain a big role, especially after Alexander Isak suffered a suspected broken leg.
Nets brace
Ekitike scored two goals to go with seven shots (two on goal) in Saturday's 2-0 win over Brighton.
Analysis: Ekitike found the back of the net in the opening minute and again in the second half, showing two different finishes in a nice performance. It's been a mixed bag to start the season for Ekitike, who has seven goals and one assist in his first 15 Premier League appearances for Liverpool. He does have four goals in the last two Premier League matches and is seemingly earning the starting job ahead of Alexander Isak.
Wasteful in win
Ekitike recorded three shots (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and two chances created in Tuesday's 1-0 victory against Inter Milan. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 39th minute.
Analysis: Ekitike took three shots but didn't really have the chance to get settled over any of his chances. The striker was rushed largely and couldn't really put any of the half chances away. Ekitike got the start alongside Alexander Isak, as manager Arne Slot tried out a two-striker formation, something Liverpool could turn to more in coming weeks.
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