Liverpool boss Arne Slot handed a first start to Alexander Isak in the Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night.

Hugo Ekitike has been told he may be forced to be Alexander Isak's understudy at Liverpool

Hugo Ekitike has been warned about his Liverpool future. (Image: Getty Images)

Hugo Ekitike has been dealt a harsh reality check from Liverpool after Arne Slot chose to start record-signing Alexander Isak in the Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. Anfield witnessed a blistering start with Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah finding the net within the first five minutes. The initial goal was scored by Robertson, who redirected Salah’s free-kick, leaving goalkeeper Jan Oblak flummoxed.

Salah quickly followed up with his third goal of the season, courtesy of a left-footed finish after an astute pass into the Atletico penalty area by Ryan Gravenberch. Isak had no hand in either goal and predictably, his initial touches were somewhat lacking but he did grow into the game.

This marks Isak’s first start in nearly four months, including pre-season, but Ally McCoist anticipates him featuring regularly, potentially at the expense of Ekitike’s playing time.

When queried by co-commentator Darren Fletcher about Ekitike’s unfortunate benching, McCoist bluntly responded: “He better get used to it.”

In the forthcoming weeks, it’s highly likely that Ekitike will see more action than Isak, especially given Slot’s remarks prior to the Atletico match.

Liverpool FC v Atletico de Madrid - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1

Alexander Isak fighting for the ball on his Liverpool debut. (Image: Getty)

“There is definitely a chance, because he is in the squad,” Slot commented on the possibility of Isak making his debut during his pre-match press conference.

“Then there is a chance to play. Normally I would say 99.9 per cent sure, but I can say it’s 100 per cent sure he will not play 90 minutes. But he is part of the squad.

“It is already a Champions League game to look forward to but if people look forward to his playing time, that could mean that could happen tomorrow as well.

“The only thing that is sure is he will not play 90, and all the rest you will see tomorrow.”

Following the October international break, Isak could very well emerge as the undisputed first-choice striker, though with such a packed fixture list ahead this campaign, Ekitike will almost certainly be handed his fair share of opportunities.