Hugo Ekitike sends cheeky Marc Guehi response amid Liverpool injury crisis

Ryan Gravenberch played at center-back in Liverpool's 6-0 Champions League win over Qarabag, and teammate Hugo Ekitike commented on the Dutchman's new role

Hugo Ekitike sent a message to Ryan Gravenberch after Liverpool's win over Qarabag(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool star Hugo Ekitike jokingly likened Ryan Gravenberch to Marc Guehi after the Dutchman played at center-back for the Reds against Qarabag.

Ekitike couldn't resist the joke after his Reds teammate was pressed into action alongside Virgil van Dijk due to injury and selection headaches at Anfield.

Gravenberch found himself in Liverpool's back four for the Champions League game as his side secured its spot in the last 16 with a commanding 6-0 victory over the Azerbaijan outfit. Gravenberch was pushed further back with Ibrahima Konate still absent on compassionate leave, whilst Joe Gomez picked up another injury setback in Saturday's dramatic loss to Bournemouth.

Ekitike seized the opportunity to tease his Liverpool colleague and, in doing so, mentioned Guehi - a Liverpool target who ended up joining Manchester City this month.

Gravenberch shared a series of images on Instagram with the caption: "Top 8" – a reference to Liverpool finishing in the top eight of the Champions League table.

His Liverpool teammates were quick to show their support, whilst Ekitike praised his display and commented: "Guehi! ! ! [crying with laughter emoji].", reports the Liverpool Echo.

Liverpool foreard Hugo Ekitike left a hilarious comment on Ryan Gravenberch's social media.(Image: Instagram)

The future of Guehi – who almost joined Liverpool last year – was finally resolved just a few weeks ago as he signed for City.

Liverpool has been grappling with a spate of injuries in recent months, starting with Giovanni Leoni, who sustained a severe knee injury on his debut in September, sidelining him for the remainder of the season.

Van Dijk and Konate have been the stalwart defensive duo for the Reds, with Gomez providing an alternative despite battling his own injury woes.

Konate has been absent from Liverpool's last three matches due to personal reasons following the passing of his father. With Gomez forced off in the first half against Bournemouth on Saturday, Liverpool faced the Champions League decider with only one recognized central defender.

Guehi, whose contract was set to expire in the summer, had been linked with a move to Liverpool in January. However, Pep Guardiola's side swooped in to address their own defensive concerns.

Reflecting on his move to the North West, months after his potential Liverpool transfer fell through, Guehi said: "It (the move to Liverpool) was very close.

"Very close. The medical was pretty much done and then it got pulled at the last minute.

"My mindset is what will be, will be. It would be doing Palace a disservice if I was acting a certain way because the club's given me everything.

"The least I can do is show up to work every single day, shut my mouth and keep my head down. I think that's the most important thing."