Liverpool's five options to replace Hugo Ekitike vs Crystal Palace after 'stupid' red card

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Both forwards found the back of the net in midweek, with Isak scoring his first goal for the club against Southampton in the League Cup third round.

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He was then substituted at half-time for Ekitike as Liverpool carefully manage the Swede's playing time following a turbulent pre-season at Newcastle where he essentially went on strike to force a move, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Ekitike netted a late winner for the Reds against Southampton.



Having been a regular starter in all five of the Reds' Premier League matches this season, as well as last month's Community Shield against the Eagles at Wembley, his absence leaves Slot with a selection headache.

Under normal circumstances, record signing Isak would be the obvious choice to lead the line.

He also made an 18-minute cameo for Sweden during the international break against Kosovo, and was subbed on for the last 23 minutes of the Merseyside derby.

Isak hasn't started a Premier League match or played a full 90 minutes since the final day of last season, when his former team Newcastle suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to Everton.

He began the game on the right, then moved to the number 10 position, and finally switched to the left after the Reds made substitutions.

However, the majority of his playing time this season has been as a substitute striker in the Premier League.

The 19 year old made his first senior appearance of the season off the bench against Southampton in midweek as he too steps up his recovery after a long-term injury.

The young forward has already made 10 appearances for Liverpool, netting three goals, and has featured three times in the Premier League.

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