Arne Slot has made clear Alexander Isak is not yet ready to carry a full match as Liverpool cope with the injury to Hugo Ekitiké.

On Friday Slot stressed the uncertainty around Isak’s minutes after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. “Alex is not ready for 90 [minutes] yet—depending on the intensity of the game because you never know how a game is going to pan out,” Slot told reporters.

The manager said Isak is “getting closer and closer. Now, we need him, but there are different options to play as a No. 9, as well. Federico Chiesa is one of them. There are different options but it is definitely good to have Alex back now that Hugo is injured.” He also pointed to the impact of substitutes, noting: “Cody [Gakpo] did really well when he came in in the second half [against PSG].”

The club has faced criticism over last summer’s arrivals. A new striker had been a priority and interest in Isak was well known. Newcastle United played hardball over the Swede, Liverpool struck a deal for Ekitiké—himself a target for the Magpies. A few weeks later Isak became the most expensive signing in Premier League history at $170 million (£125 million). Liverpool had spent $106 million (£79 million) on Ekitiké amid intense scrutiny over whether he would be a backup.

Both Isak and Ekitiké have since suffered serious injuries at different periods, and Slot pushed back at those who questioned signing two No. 9s. “First of all, it is a good thing we have signed two No. 9s because there were a lot of people who were debating why we signed two No. 9s,” Slot laughed. “We thought maybe it’s a smart idea not to be the only club in the world that has only one No. 9 and that’s why we signed two and now all of a sudden that looks good and now people are maybe questioning if we should sign another No. 9. ]

Liverpool have confirmed scans show Hugo Ekitiké has suffered a rupture of the Achilles tendon in his right foot. The club statement read: “scans on the issue have subsequently confirmed a rupture of the Achilles tendon.” The injury will rule the 23-year-old out of the 2026 World Cup with France and could keep him sidelined for the remainder of the year.

Ekitiké moved to Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer in a deal worth up to $107 million (£79 million). In 45 appearances he scored 17 goals and supplied six assists, producing 15 goal contributions in the Premier League alone. Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah are the next highest scorers for the club on 12 and 11 respectively.

“It’s hard, maybe even unfair,” he posted on social media after the news. “But I’m grateful this is happening to me here, among you [fans]. I’m not alone. Your strength and your love will be my driving force.”

The timing complicates Liverpool’s plans. Alexander Isak has returned from a broken leg and the PSG start this week was his first start in the comeback process, but he remains limited in minutes and may struggle to replace Ekitiké immediately.

A ruptured Achilles is among the most severe injuries in football. Early estimates put Ekitiké’s recovery at nine to 12 months, meaning a return might not come until 2027. Questions remain about whether he can regain the same level of explosiveness and whether the injury will have lasting physical or psychological effects.

Liverpool supporters have seen similar cases. Fábio Aurélio ruptured his Achilles during a Champions League match in April 2007 and did not resume consistent playing until eight months later; he left Liverpool in 2012 after further injury problems. Callum Hudson-Odoi ruptured his Achilles in 2018–19, recovered in five months but never reached his earlier potential and now plays for Nottingham Forest without starting every game. Ruben Loftus-Cheek suffered a near year-long absence and recalled: “I came back from injury but didn’t feel myself, didn’t feel powerful, wasn’t running past people and felt like I lost a lot of muscle and power.” Other examples include Laurent Koscielny and David Beckham, both of whom faced lengthy recoveries after Achilles ruptures.

The season has been a prolonged period of disappointment for Liverpool. Supporter goodwill from last term is gone and the club must take decisive steps to prevent another poor campaign in 2026-27.

1) Clarify leadership. Accountability sits with Arne Slot after an unforgiving season. Slot has faced intense scrutiny for selections, substitutions and an inability to get the best from new signings. The manager has overseen an unacceptable 17 defeats across all competitions and a run of underperformance dating back to spring 2025. Xabi Alonso’s availability as a free agent will intensify speculation over a change of direction.

2) Rebuild recruitment and balance the squad. Last summer’s recruitment departed from Liverpool’s usual model and included breaking the Premier League transfer record twice and spending just over $600 million. Surgery is required: the centre of defence needs reinforcement despite the winter signing of Jérémy Jacquet, another defensive midfielder is essential, wide forwards are necessary to find a long-term heir to Mohamed Salah and to boost creativity, and Andy Robertson’s confirmed exit means a new left back must be signed to compete with Milos Kerkez.

3) Trim the squad and free up funds. After the Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain, Slot admitted players needed to be sold to recoup funds. With many fringe players already disposed of last summer, Liverpool must be ruthless. Departures of Salah and Robertson would free salary room, Salah currently earns $543,000 per week, and a possible free exit for Ibrahima Konaté could provide further flexibility. Players mentioned for sale include Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo. Joe Gomez’s injury record raises questions but a shortage of homegrown talent could complicate any sale. Cody Gakpo signed a new contract last August but his poor form could be considered. Curtis Jones will be 26 next season and faces pressure to reach his potential.

4) Restore intensity. Under Jürgen Klopp the team was defined by gegenpressing and relentless intensity. Slot’s more controlled approach has left Liverpool easier to play against, regularly outrun and outfought, and prone to slowing the tempo when ahead. Recovering that intensity should be a priority.