Liverpool's Mo Salah replacement plan thrown into chaos after brutal statement

Liverpool are set to be without star forward Hugo Ekitike for the foreseeable future following his brutal injury against Paris Saint-Germain and the Reds are expected to feel lasting effects

Liverpool’s summer transfer plans may have been thrown into turmoil by Hugo Ekitike’s injury. The French striker picked up a serious issue in the Reds’ Champions League defeat at the hands of former side Paris Saint-Germain.

And he looks set to be restricted to the sidelines for a significant period with a suspected Achilles injury. France boss Didier Deschamps has already ruled the Liverpool star out of the World Cup.

He said: "Hugo suffered a serious injury on Tuesday evening against PSG. The severity of his injury will unfortunately prevent him from finishing the season with Liverpool and participating in the World Cup.

“Hugo is one of the dozen young players who have made their debuts with the national team in recent months. He had perfectly integrated into the group, both on the pitch and off it.

"This injury is a huge blow for him, of course, but also for the France team. His disappointment is immense. Hugo will regain his top form, I'm convinced of it.

"But I wanted to express all my support to him, as well as that of the entire staff. We know he'll be fully behind the France team, and we're all thinking of him very strongly."

And while Liverpool will feel the impact of Ekitike’s absence on the pitch - the former Eintracht Frankfurt forward having netted 17 goals across an impressive debut season - the Reds will also have to shoulder lasting effects.

Ekitike, as well as fellow summer signing Alexander Isak, were both seen as potential internal replacements for the outgoing Mo Salah. But with Ekitike set to be restricted to the sidelines and Isak struggling for form and fitness across his debut campaign, Reds’ chiefs might be forced into a rethink.

Liverpool could well be tempted to dip into the market for a new forward now ahead of next season, albeit a deal is not expected to be cheap. And should the Reds decide to splash the cash once more, that could potentially have a knock-on effect on the rest of their summer business.

Arne Slot's men could also do with another centre-back following their defensive woes this season, while a left-back would also be useful following confirmation that Andrew Robertson will leave Anfield at the end of his contract.

Following last summer’s huge outlay, Liverpool might not be able to spend similar fees this time around so club chiefs might have to be creative to get new faces through the door.

Of course, some outgoings could help the club generate the funds they need for a big-name attacking signing in the summer. Boss Slot has already admitted that some current stars may be sold on.

He said: "Much has been said that the club is in a transition. The club has sold eight or 10 players to make money to sign five or so very talented players. We have to sell to buy.

"We are losing some players on a free transfer. It is a big challenge in the summer but the club has shown this model works. As I said many times the future looks very good, especially if we can sign players after good players leaving this summer."