Liverpool told to consider transfer after Ekitike injury warning

Ekitike is expected to be out until at least Christmas with the serious Achilles damage suffered during the Champions League clash against his former club Paris Saint-Germain in April.

The 24-year-old forward is continuing his rehabilitation with the senior squad during the ongoing pre-season tour of the United States.

And while Liverpool are in the market for a right-winger to replace the departed Mohamed Salah, they have been urged to consider a further new forward by former France international William Gallas.

"I didn't have Hugo Ekitike’s injury, but I know it's very difficult to come back 100% after it," he said. "Most of the players didn't make it.

"I know he's still young, but he will have to take his time. Liverpool may have to think twice too. They may have to bring a new player, because nobody knows if he's going to be back in his best.

"Listen, we know when we get big injuries, it’s very difficult to come back to your best shape.

"Look what happened to Wesley Fofana from Chelsea. Before, when he was at Leicester, he had a season that was just unbelievable. And then he got that bad injury. And from that bad injury, he never came back to his best performance. It could be the same for Ekitike.”

Speaking to iPredicta, Gallas is confident new Liverpool centre-back Jeremy Jacquet will be able to fill the boots of the departed Ibrahima Konate following his £60million arrival from Rennes this summer.

"Jeremy Jacquet is a big boy," he said. "He's a big boy and he's got quality. If you go to Liverpool, you know he has got quality. So now it's always the same question: you need to adapt and play alongside some of the best players.

"Virgil van Dijk can help him a lot. Yeah, he needs some time, but I think he can do the job of replacing Ibrahima Konate."

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