Liverpool handed huge Hugo Ekitike blow during Southampton clash
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Hugo Ekitike will miss Liverpool's next match after being shown a red card in the Carabao Cup against Southampton.
The French forward collected a second yellow card after taking his shirt off in celebration as he put the Reds back into the lead at Anfield.
Ekitike's first yellow card was equally as unnecessary as he punched a ball away in frustration at a decision early in the second half, shortly after coming on the pitch at the break.
The forward will now miss Liverpool's match against Crystal Palace.
The summer signing netted the winning goal after Federico Chiesa played a simple square ball to allow his team-mate to find an empty net.
Frustration was evident in the eyes of Jeremie Frimpong after Ekitike's actions, while Liverpool's coaching staff are unlikely to have been impressed as he walked past them down the tunnel.
"For Ekitike to get a second yellow card for that (taking his shirt off) is just sheer stupidity, and he'll now miss the league game against Crystal Palace," pundit Chris Sutton offered.
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"He's been such an important player for Liverpool so far this season, what a start to his Liverpool career, important goal this evening, but that's not great for Arne Slot if he's sitting out the game at the weekend."
Ekitike's ban will leave Slot with a difficult decision on whether to call upon Alexander Isak for another start.
The Swede started and scored his first Liverpool goal against Southampton, but has yet to feature from the first whistle in the Premier League.
The British record signing may now be handed his first opportunity despite seeing his fitness carefully managed since arriving at Anfield.
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