Hugo Ekitike explains new Liverpool role as Alexander Isak message sent

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Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike has spoken out on his new role at Anfield in the absence of Alexander Isak, who is expected to be out of action until at least March

Alexander Isak comes on as a substitute for team-mate Hugo Ekitike (Image: Getty Images)

Hugo Ekitike is confident he can step up as Liverpool's main goal threat in the wake of Alexander Isak's injury. The Reds' striker expressed his sympathy for his teammate after the Swedish international suffered a broken leg during last month's 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

Isak sustained a fibula fracture while scoring in the win against Spurs, and the forward is anticipated to be out of action until at least March following surgery within 24 hours of the injury.

Ekitike, currently leading the Reds' scoring charts this season with 11 goals, is ready to take on the responsibility at Anfield, especially with Mohamed Salah also absent due to Egypt's ongoing Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco.

"Obviously that kind of thing happened and I was very sorry for him because it's not funny when you come to a new club and get injured with that kind of injury – it's difficult," Ekitike shared with LFCTV.

"But for me, I try to do my job. The coach puts me on the pitch and I'll show him and show the fans that I can help the team. It doesn't matter if I score, if I give assists, the most important [thing] for me is to win."

Liverpool maintained their unbeaten run with a goalless draw against Leeds United at Anfield on New Year's Day.

Although the result was seen as a disappointment for Arne Slot's side, it distanced them further from a challenging period between late September and November when they lost nine out of 12 matches.

Ekitike continued: "Obviously it was a tough period for us but we just stick together, try to work. Obviously now it's a bit better but I can't say it's the best because we have had a few draws in the last series.

"But I think the most important [thing] when you play here is to win, so we can't be happy.

"It was obviously special to play [around] Christmas and the next day after New Year. It's really exciting. I was in a position when I was watching on TV, so being here and able to play that kind of game is a blessing.

"Now we're going back to a busy, busy period, a lot of games in this month of January, but it's up to us to be fit, recover well after every game and be ready for the next one all the time."

Liverpool is back in action on Sunday afternoon when they travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham.