(Credit: Imago)

Michael Mongie

Mon 29 September 2025 17:45, UK

Liverpool greatly missed Hugo Ekitike against Crystal Palace while the French striker served his one-game ban for being sent off against Southampton.

Andy Robertson called Hugo Ekitike ‘silly’ after the game, suggesting it’s not likely that he will repeat the mistake again.

Despite suggestions that Ekitike would be fined £400,000 or two weeks’ pay, Liverpool did not take any formal disciplinary action.

Surprisingly, Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney came to Ekitike’s defence, saying it was just a moment of pure emotion.

Liverpool were punished in his absence as Crystal Palace performed superbly, beating the Reds dramatically to win 2-1. They got a taste of their own medicine as they watched Eddie Nketiah win the game in the 97th minute.

Hugo Ekitike is eligible to start for Liverpool against Galatasaray and Chelsea

When Hugo Ekitike received a red card for a second bookable offence after removing his shirt in celebration of his winning goal against Southampton in the FA Cup, he shocked everyone.

Looking back at replays, it’s quite funny to see the reaction of the bench and the fans behind the bench.

What Arne Slot won’t find amusing is that Liverpool lost the game in which Ekitike served the ban.

Ekitike is eligible to play in the Champions League this week as well as against Chelsea on Saturday, having served the one-game ban already. Of course, the ban wasn’t applicable in Europe anyway, but Liverpool need him to start both games.

Ekitike was greatly missed against Crystal Palace

Alexander Isak received his full Premier League debut with Liverpool in the 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace but he and Florian Wirtz struggled. In fact, the whole team did.

The biggest indicator of how far off the tempo Liverpool were is the fact that Palace made 24 tackles – 17 more than the Reds.

Despite 78% of the ball and 688 passes, Liverpool failed to take advantage of six open-play big chances, scoring from a scruffy moment inside the Palace box.

Isak was isolated by the three Palace centre-halves as his lack of intensity and fitness was revealed for all to see. Ekitike’s form in front of goal was greatly missed, and following the game, he likely received further admonishment from Slot for costing his teammates.

The stats that prove why Ekitike must start against Galatasaray

Despite the silly moment that saw him sent off against Southampton, the form Ekitike is in is undeniable, and the sooner he’s back on the pitch for Liverpool, the better.

With five goals, he is their leading goalscorer this season with a 42.86% conversion rate.

Mohamed Salah is struggling for form this season, and after 34 goals and 23 assists last season, it was always likely his performance levels would dip a bit. Fortunately, Liverpool spent unprecedented sums to reinforce their ranks in the summer.

Eintracht Frankfurt sold Ekitike to Liverpool for a huge £79million fee after 22 goals and 12 assists last season. It remains to be seen if he can reach that figure in England, but his form so far suggests it’s not outside the realm of possibility.

His underlying stats this season show why he’s the perfect fit for Liverpool. From a high work ethic to his clinical finishing, Ekitike is one of the most exciting players in Europe right now.

If Slot wants to rest Isak against Galatasaray after he played 84 minutes against Palace, it would be the perfect opportunity to restore Ekitike to the starting lineup.

Chelsea then host Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, which could be the first time Slot starts both Isak and Ekitike. The Dutch manager is yet to play Ekitike on the left wing, but it should bring the best out of Isak.

They both enjoy occupying the same spaces, which would allow them to dovetail perfectly, while it would also create more space for Salah to exploit on the opposite flank.