Liverpool manager Arne Slot joked that the club looks smart for signing two No 9s after Hugo Ekitike’s season‑ending Achilles rupture. The French striker went down during Tuesday’s 2‑0 Champions League loss to Paris Saint‑Germain and will miss the remainder of the campaign and the World Cup. Slot praised the signings as insurance against such setbacks, and gives the squad depth for the grind.

Ekitike’s injury arrived just as Alexander Isak returned from a long lay‑off, leaving Liverpool thin up front. Slot noted that both forwards were forced off – Isak at half‑time, Ekitike after 30 minutes – yet the side produced 21 shots and a high xG even with limited minutes against a possession‑dominant PSG. He argued the performance proves the squad can compete with Europe’s elite.

Looking ahead, Slot stressed the club’s priority is securing Champions League qualification, a goal that hinges on upcoming fixtures such as the Merseyside derby with Everton. He acknowledged inevitable summer changes, including departures of Mo Salah and Andy Robertson, and hinted at further transfer activity, and maintain momentum in the league. For now, Liverpool must avoid slip‑ups to keep their European hopes alive.