Liverpool manager Arne Slot has delivered a significant update on the club's mounting injury concerns, headlined by devastating news for new signing Hugo Ekitike and a confirmed setback for defender Joe Gomez ahead of the Merseyside derby.

Ekitike, who was stretchered off with a severe Achilles injury during Tuesday's Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, has suffered a confirmed rupture. The 23-year-old striker will miss the remainder of Liverpool's campaign and this summer's FIFA World Cup with France, a brutal blow for a player who had made an immediate impact since his arrival.

Slot confirmed the forward has not yet undergone surgery but expressed unwavering confidence in his recovery. "Devastating for him coming to a new club and having so much impact straight away," Slot stated. "First thoughts are with him being out for such a long time... but so many examples of players coming back even stronger. 100% he will be one of those."

The injury list at Anfield continues to grow, with Ekitike joining Alisson Becker, Conor Bradley, and Wataru Endo on the sidelines. The situation has been compounded by the confirmation that versatile defender Joe Gomez will miss Sunday's crucial Premier League clash against Everton at Goodison Park.

Slot also provided a cautious update on striker Alexander Isak, who made his first start since December in midweek. The manager revealed Isak is still not fit enough to complete a full 90 minutes, leaving Liverpool's attacking options further stretched as they enter a critical phase of the season.