Hugo Ekitike taken off on a stretcher during PSG’s match against Liverpool

LIVERPOOL, England — Hugo Ekitike had to exit due to an injury during the first half of Liverpool’s Champions League quarterfinal against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.

The French forward seemed to injure his right ankle after slipping in the 27th minute of the second-leg encounter at Anfield.

Following medical attention, it was swiftly concluded that he could not continue, and he was carried off the pitch on a stretcher. Mohamed Salah took his place.

Salah had once again started the match on the bench for Arne Slot’s team, mirroring his role in the first leg last week.

Ekitike’s injury raises concerns for France ahead of this year’s World Cup and could also impact Liverpool’s efforts to achieve Champions League qualification.

This season, Ekitike has been among Liverpool’s standout players, netting 19 goals for both club and country. He contributed to France’s 2-1 victory over Brazil last month.

PSG’s Nuno Mendes also departed shortly before halftime due to an unspecified issue, but he was able to leave the field without assistance.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.