Liverpool are set to face Crystal Palace in the Premier League without the services of Hugo Ekitike, following his red card during their Carabao Cup third-round victory against Southampton. The French forward, a summer acquisition for the Reds, made a significant impact by scoring the decisive goal in a 2-1 win at Anfield. Introduced at the break, Ekitike found himself booked twice – the first for dissent, after punching the ball in frustration, and the second for an exuberant goal celebration which saw his shirt removed.
Ekitike’s dismissal means he is now suspended for Liverpool’s crucial fixture against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park this Saturday. Alexander Isak, who opened his account for Liverpool on the same night, is likely to continue leading the line. Isak capitalised on a defensive error from Southampton’s Alex McCarthy, with Federico Chiesa providing the assist for his close-range finish.
The match saw Southampton briefly level through Shea Charles, following a defensive miscue from Wataru Endo during a corner. Yet it was Ekitike, once again set up by the inventive Chiesa, who ensured Liverpool’s passage to the next round by netting a late winner into an open goal.
Liverpool must now adapt in Ekitike’s absence, with Isak poised to spearhead the attack once more. According to Premier League and FA regulations, red cards in domestic competitions apply across all contests, thus ruling Ekitike out of action this weekend. However, the forward will be eligible to return in the Champions League clash against Galatasaray three days later and subsequently against Chelsea in the Premier League on 4th October.
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