Arne Slot met with the media ahead of Liverpool’s Merseyside Derby match at Everton on April 19th. He spoke about the importance of Alexander Isak and others filling the No. 9 role now that Hugo Ekitike will be out for the rest of the season with an Achilles injury, playing in the first Derby match inside Hill- Dickinson Stadium and the final six-match push for Champions League qualification to close the campaign.
Big Boots To Fill
With Ekitike out for the rest of the year, Slot addressed the injury and just how the Reds would fill the No.9 role.
“It’s devastating for him,” Slot said. “Coming to a new club, having so much impact straight away...your first thoughts are with him for missing out for such a long time - there are so many examples of players that came back even stronger. It's a good thing we signed two No.9s. A lot of people were saying we shouldn't have. Someone said to me you cannot write the script that on Alex's (Isak) first start in four months, (Ekitike) is out with a long-term injury. It's nice to have Alex back, but we know he is not ready to play 90 minutes. Cody Gakpo played well in that spot, and (Federico) Chiesa is also available.”
The Old & The New
While the Merseyside Derby is one of the oldest in English football, Slot admits that playing in the brand new Hill-Dickinson Stadium will bring an extra level of spice to the rivalry.
“Always a very special game, doesn't matter if it's the 60th. But if it's the last and then the first one at a stadium, that makes it even more special, if possible. They are in a very good place at the moment. You can add 1 or 2% to the special game. It will always be a special game for them, but it is for us.”
The Home Stretch
Including Everton, Liverpool have six games left to claim one of the Top-5 spots for Champions League qualification next season. Slot compares this stretch to a “mini-league”
“It feels a bit like a mini-league,” he said. “Every team is focused on the team around them. Our focus now is not on Arsenal but on the teams around us. Our main focus is on the first game at hand, and that's Everton.”
LFC Globe Verdict
I feel so bad for Hugo Ekitike. Not only will he miss the rest of the season, but also the 2026 World Cup. But Liverpool must find a way to forge ahead without him. Isak is a solid option, and I see him starting up top with Chiesa coming off the bench when Isak has to come off. Even though the Merseyside Derby will be played in a new stadium, I don’t expect it to be any different from the high-intensity matches we have come to expect over the years.
Have Your Say
Who do you think should be Liverpool’s No. 9 for the rest of the season? Sound off and let us know below.
Where To Watch
| Match Info | UK Broadcast | US Broadcast | Canada Broadcast |
| Kick-off | 2:00 PM BST | 9:00 AM ET | 9:00 AM ET |
| TV Channel | Sky Sports | USA Network | FuboTV |
| Live Stream | Sky Sports Go | Peacock | FuboTV Canada |