Hugo Ekitike's 'Stupid' Red Card Costs Him Key Liverpool Clashes
Liverpool's talent for delivering dramatic late victories was perfectly demonstrated during Tuesday evening's Carabao Cup third round triumph against Southampton.
Shea Charles found the equalizer in the second period after Alexander Isak netted his debut goal for Liverpool, with the Merseysiders depending on replacement Hugo Ekitiké to deliver the decisive strike in their 2-1 success with five minutes remaining.
Anfield erupted once more at witnessing another thrilling late winner, but Ekitiké became overly enthusiastic, removing his jersey and displaying it to the supporters. Already cautioned earlier in the contest, the French forward received what must rank among the most avoidable red cards imaginable.
Arne Slot was predictably incensed following the game, describing the attacker's actions as "foolish", and Ekitiké has now secured himself an avoidable ban.
How Many Matches Will Hugo Ekitiké Miss Through Suspension?
Thankfully for Liverpool supporters, Ekitiké will be sidelined for only one fixture due to suspension. Nevertheless, despite the dismissal occurring in the Carabao Cup, the summer signing will be unavailable for the club's upcoming domestic encounter, which takes place away at Crystal Palace this Saturday.
Red card suspensions transfer between England's primary competitions—excluding the EFL Trophy and National League Cup—which explains why Chelsea's Robert Sánchez served his one-game suspension for a Premier League sending-off against Manchester United during his team's Carabao Cup meeting with Lincoln City.
Ekitiké will be absent for the journey to Selhurst Park having previously found the net against the Eagles in the Community Shield, but will return for the subsequent Champions League encounter with Galatasaray and Premier League fixture at Chelsea.
Ekitiké's dismissal against Southampton marked the third of his professional career, with the previous two occurring during his spell with French side Reims.
Who Will Replace Hugo Ekitiké Against Crystal Palace?
Following his maiden Liverpool goal, Isak will certainly feature in Ekitiké's position this weekend despite not yet reaching peak condition. The Swedish international has appeared in the previous three fixtures for the Reds but never exceeded 58 minutes as Slot gradually integrates him back into action.
Isak is unlikely to complete the full contest at Selhurst Park, leaving Liverpool relatively limited in genuine center-forward alternatives. Young prospect Jayden Danns, who came off the bench against Southampton, represents the club's sole other traditional striker.
Cody Gakpo possesses experience functioning as a central forward for Liverpool and offers another valuable option for Slot, while Federico Chiesa, who impressed with two assists in the Carabao Cup, has also operated in that role at various points this season.