Subbed off early against Brighton on Saturday, Hugo Ekitike is only suffering from a heavy bruise and joined the French national team on Monday. The Liverpool striker is not believed to be injured, while Alexander Isak will be back for the match against PSG on April 8, according to his coach, but he will not be at 100%.

Without goalkeeper Alisson Becker and Egyptian striker Mohamed Salah last Saturday, both suffering from muscle issues and ruled out for the international break, Liverpool lost 2-1 to the Seagulls and conceded its 10th loss of the season in the Premier League.

Hugo Ekitike started the match but injured his left thigh in the 4th minute after a rough challenge with James Milner. The French international ultimately gave way four minutes later and appeared deeply distressed, as if he had suffered a serious injury.

But after the match, Arne Slot revealed in his news conference that it was actually just a bruise and that his striker "could play tomorrow if needed." Called up by Didier Deschamps for friendly matches against Brazil (March 26) and Colombia (March 29), Ekitike arrived at the Clairefontaine training center on Monday with his cleats in hand and appeared to be walking normally.

With the Champions League quarterfinal between PSG and Liverpool taking place on April 8, 16 days away, Ekitike seems more than likely to be available for that match, though things could change between now and then. On Friday, Arne Slot announced news that should delight Liverpool fans: Alexander Isak is very close to a return.

"He will be available against PSG," the Dutch coach said. "The question is what you mean by 'ready.' If you want the player who played against us exactly one year ago in the Carabao Cup final, and who was too strong for us that day, then I would say I have doubts after months out. But I think I can use him for a few minutes."

Injured last December, the Swedish striker has not yet trained with his teammates since returning from injury and is likely not fit to start against PSG on April 8. "I am as excited as the fans about his return, because it must be said that in 90% of our matches, we had more chances than our opponents. If we had one of the best strikers in the world on the field, that would generally have translated into more points," Slot said, before sounding a cautious note.

"I don't want to downplay his importance, because I think he can have an impact when he returns, but it's more realistic to expect him to be at 100% next season than against Manchester City (in the FA Cup on April 4) or PSG. I don't think he will be available for the match against Manchester City, by the way, but we will certainly use him over the next two months." Even if he likely cannot start at the Parc des Princes, Isak will be a significant offensive option off the bench for Slot.

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