Hugo Ekitike: Is Liverpool striker suspended for Crystal Palace match?

Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike continued his impressive start for the Reds with the winner against Southampton in the Carabao Cup, but was sent off moments later after receiving a second yellow card for taking his shirt off.

His sending-off led to some confusion over whether he would be suspended for this weekend’s Premier League game at Crystal Palace, or the next round of the EFL Cup only.

Unfortunately for Liverpool fans – and many Fantasy Premier League players – the suspension is applied for the next game – so Saturday’s trip to Selhurst Park.

That means British record signing Alexander Isak might make his first league start for the Reds, after scoring the opening goal in Tuesday night’s 2-1 win at Anfield.

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Why did Ekitike take his shirt off?

Hugo Ekitike celebrates scoring against Southampton Image source, AFP via Getty Images
Image caption,

Hugo Ekitike held up his shirt to fans after scoring the winner against Southampton

The suspension will be a frustrating one – not just for Liverpool fans but for Ekitike himself.

The French forward had earlier picked up an equally needless yellow card when, shortly after coming on at the start of the second half for Isak, he was booked for throwing the ball in the air after being penalised for a foul.

After scoring the winner with five minutes remaining, Ekitike took off his shirt to hold it up to the celebrating Liverpool fans, but his joy turned to frustration as team-mate Jeremie Frimpong explained to him what it would mean.

“I am sure he just wasn’t aware of being on a yellow in that moment,” Isak told ITV of Ekitike’s dismissal.

“Sometimes when you score a goal you are in that moment. Of course it is unfortunate.”

Is Isak fit to start at Palace?

Isak has been eased into first-team action following his deadline-day move from Newcastle.

The Sweden forward had not had a proper pre-season as the saga of his transfer went on, but looked sharp in his 45 minutes against Southampton.

Asked if he was ready to start if needed at the weekend, he said: “I feel good. With every game I play it is very helpful and gets me in better shape.

“It is difficult to say. It is a mixture of fitness-wise and football-wise. I feel good and feel I am in a shape to make a difference.”

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