Liverpool Receives Massive Hugo Ekitike Fitness Boost Before Crucial Chelsea Clash

Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitiké has been named in France's squad for the upcoming October international matches, indicating he may be fit for his team's clash with Chelsea this Saturday night.

The tall striker was substituted during the second half of Liverpool's disappointing 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray on Tuesday, raising concerns he might join Alisson in the medical bay ahead of this weekend's crucial match at Stamford Bridge.

Slot remained cautious when discussing Ekitiké's condition following Tuesday's loss. "He experienced discomfort while stretching for the ball," the Liverpool manager explained after the match. "He indicated he couldn't carry on. We'll assess his condition before the weekend."

Ekitiké's selection for the France squad might not please supporters on Merseyside. Les Bleus manager Didier Deschamps has developed a concerning pattern of calling up players with fitness concerns, only to see them suffer injuries during international duty.

The Paris Saint-Germain pair of Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué notably sustained muscle problems last month while representing France, leading to public criticism from their club directed at Deschamps.

Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga has recently returned from an extended injury absence yet appears in the same diverse France squad alongside players like Ekitiké, Al Nassr's Kingsley Coman and AC Milan recruit Christopher Nkunku.

Will Hugo Ekitike Start Against Chelsea?

Should Ekitiké be cleared for Saturday's journey to west London, Alexander Isak will likely lead the attack. The high-profile summer signing was relegated to the substitutes' bench for Tuesday's European encounter as Slot carefully integrates him into the starting lineup following his missed preseason due to his standoff at Newcastle United.

There exists the intriguing possibility of deploying Ekitiké and Isak as a partnership—an arrangement the French striker welcomes. The duo had previously substituted for one another on three separate occasions before Slot introduced Isak against Galatasaray as Liverpool sought an equalizer. This promising combination lasted merely six minutes before Ekitiké's withdrawal.

Whether Slot will be inclined to revisit this tactical approach against a Chelsea team that has faced their own recent difficulties remains uncertain.