Premier League Issue Statement Over Hugo Ekitike Red Card vs Southampton

The Premier League have confirmed how Hugo Ekitike will be punished after being sent off in Liverpool's 2-1 Carabao Cup third round win over Southampton.

The France international striker came off the bench at half-time at Anfield and scored the winning goal.

Ekitike took his shirt off in celebration, earning a yellow card from the referee.

However, the striker had already been booked just minutes after coming on, meaning he was sent off.

He will now serve a one-match ban.

There was some initial confusion about whether Ekitike would serve his suspension in the next round of the Carabao Cup, or in the Premier League.

The rule has been altered in recent seasons, with it being confirmed through the top flight's official Fantasy Premier League account that the Frenchman will miss Liverpool's upcoming Premier League clash against Crystal Palace this weekend.

Ekitike's sending off will potentially create a selection dilemma for Slot over new British transfer record signing Alexander Isak.

The Swedish international did not play any competitive football between May and September after going on strike from Newcastle during pre-season in order to force a move.

He has now played three matches in six days for the Reds - albeit being taken off at half-time against Southampton and after 58 minutes against Atletico Madrid.

He also only featured for 24 minutes against Everton on Saturday.

Speaking ahead of the Everton clash, Slot stated that Isak still had work to do in order to reach full match fitness after such a significant period without competitive football.

"We need to see how they all feel," he said. "What I do know is that Alex did feel his body maybe more than ever before after the 60 minutes he played [versus Atletico].

"Let's see how he recovers today and then we are going to think about the line-up today and you will hear it tomorrow."