Hugo Ekitike fitness boost with Liverpool striker called up

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from This is Anfield or go back to LFC Live.

Hugo Ekitike has been called up by France manager Didier Deschamps for this month’s World Cup qualifiers, allaying fears over an injury picked up against Galatasaray. Ekitike started Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat in Istanbul before being forced off in the 68th minute after stretching to receive an under-hit pass.

He was subsequently forced off after treatment from Liverpool’s medical staff, leading to concerns over another injury following Alisson‘s departure earlier in the game. Liverpool expect Ekitike to be fit for their 5.30pm kickoff against Chelsea, though the likelihood is that Alexander Isak will start up front.

Chelsea With Isak coming off the bench for 28 minutes on Tuesday the likelihood is that he and Ekitike will swap for the meeting with Chelsea four days later. Ekitike was belatedly called up to the France squad for the first time in last month’s break, replacing the injured Rayan Cherki, and came off the bench against both Ukraine and Iceland.