Liverpool may be running headlong into a big problem with Hugo Ekitike as AFCON worries emerge - opinion
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Liverpool are continuing to score goals in the Premier League this season despite an obvious lack of depth in forward areas.
The Reds look a little short heading towards the end of the summer transfer window and are still keen to add another player to Arne Slot’s options.
However, while Liverpool still want to sign Alexander Isak, a deal being agreed for the Newcastle United hitman appears to be getting further away.
There is still time for Liverpool to pivot to another target, but FSG have shown time and time again that they will not be panicked into a decision if they can at all help it.
Part of the problem for Liverpool is that the squad will be weakened considerably in December, when Mohamed Salah embarks on his bi-annual trip to play for Egypt at AFCON.
Already low on numbers, Salah’s temporary exit has the potential to cause real problems for Slot.
11 is joined by Hugo Ekitike for this year’s tournament.
Photo by Harriet Massey/Newcastle United via Getty Images
There had been reports before Liverpool’s win over Newcastle on Monday that Ekitike could be in line for a France call-up.
Having scored again and generally done well against Newcastle, there was a feeling that the 23-year-old cannot have done his chances any harm.
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However, when Didier Deschamps announced his squad for the September matches on Wednesday, Ekitike was not featured.
In isolation, this is no bad thing for Liverpool.
Having two weeks off from matches will allow Ekitike to settle further into his life at the club.
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But despite the short-term positives, Ekitike’s lack of recognition for France could still lead to longer term negatives.
Born of both Cameroonian and French descent, the Liverpool striker still has the option to play for his father’s nation as long as Deschamps does not pick him for Les Blues.
While it is a shame that Ekitike was not given international recognition for his excellent start to the season, it feels like he is still likely to give Deschamps another chance.
However, Cameroon may sense their opportunity, and with a player as good as Ekitike potentially available ahead of AFCON, you could not blame them for making a move.
With so many big names currently ahead of him for France, perhaps Liverpool’s No.
22 will take the chance to represent one of his nations at a major tournament.
For Liverpool, this would clearly pose a massive issue.
If Isak is through the door, they will manage, no doubt about it.
But if, as looks more likely, the Swede does not arrive, Slot will be without his two main goal scorers for a full month at a crucial time of the season.
Liverpool should not persuade Ekitike one way or the other, he has the right to choose for himself, but they’ll be quietly hoping he holds out for that place in the French team.