Liverpool’s first team is packed with talent.
Their 2025-26 summer transfer window was impeccable, with the Anfield side spending more than £450 million to improve their squad.
And, while some of their signings have lived up to expectations, others have failed to live up to the standards they had previously set.
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This caused some unease among Arne Slott’s players as well as Reds fans.
Things have not gone as planned for Liverpool on more than one occasion this season, and with star player Alexander Isak now out for the next few months through injury, times are set to get even tougher for the Anfield side.
However, for one Liverpool player, Isaac’s injury could be just what he needs to make his mark.
Micah Richards claims Alexander Isak injury is good news for Hugo Ekitic
One of the main areas where Slott and Richard Hughes opted to upgrade during the summer transfer window was in attack.
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Dalvin Nunez and Luis Diaz are two of the most high-profile attackers to be transferred, meaning Anfield has two huge holes to fill in the summer.
They managed to do that by signing Isaac Hugo Ekitike, but both players are at their best when playing as a number ninethere are some balance issues.
And, while Isaac’s injury may mean his impact on the season will be minimal, Micah Richards believes it’s exactly what Ekitek needs to prove his worth and have a good run under Slaughter.
Speaking on The Rest is Football Podcast, former Manchester City ace Richards expressed his thoughts on Isaac’s injury and what it means for Ekitek.
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“I want to meet them both [Isak and Ekitike] Play together at some stage,” he said.
“It’s time to see that, especially with Tottenham having 10 players at the time.
“I was like, ‘Come on, show us what you can do, show us your moves, show us your chemistry, or try to build that chemistry,’ and then Isaac was gone.
“Forget about injuries, it’s good for Ekitek now because he might play a role in the team.
“But I want to see them both together, building a partnership, especially with Salah going to the Africa Cup of Nations.”
Hugo Ekitic could become a superstar in the coming months
Consistent play time is the best way for any player to improve their skills.
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And, from the start of the season, when Ekitic scored on his debut, it was clear that Liverpool had signed a pretty impressive talent.
However, there is always one overarching question: what will happen to the French when Isaac returns.
And, although Sloter often denies it, it’s clear that the former Frankfurt ace is his second-choice striker this season.
On the surface, the reasons for his choice are obvious, but in reality, the Frenchman has performed much better than Isak, even though it cost Liverpool much less to sign him.
However, now that Isak is gone and Federico Chiesa is not trusted by Slott, there is no reason why the France international cannot prove his worth and fulfill the potential he has shown over the past few seasons.
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With regular game time and a starting line-up unlikely to change much, relationships may begin to form, and with Ekitic at the helm, he may soon become key to Liverpool.
The fact that his recent performances in all competitions have been described as “sensational” is testament to how much he has to give and how good he has proven to be.
Isak’s injury is the last thing anyone wants to see, but in Ekitic’s eyes, this may be the breakthrough he has been looking for.
