Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike Omitted from Didier Deschamps’ France Squad

Liverpool are preparing for their early season test against Arsenal at Anfield this weekend, but one of their in-form forwards has been handed a surprise setback. Hugo Ekitike, who has started his Reds career with a flourish, will remain on Merseyside during the September international window after being overlooked by France coach Didier Deschamps.

Deschamps’ Selection Raises Eyebrows

The France boss named his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Iceland. Ibrahima Konate kept his place, and Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche earned a first call-up, yet Ekitike was omitted despite beginning life at Liverpool with three goals in as many matches.

The striker had already built momentum in Germany, scoring 22 goals for Eintracht Frankfurt last season. Now at Anfield, he has wasted no time in making an impression under Arne Slot. That record makes his exclusion from the France squad even harder to understand.

Last weekend French reports suggested Deschamps was struggling with the sheer depth of attacking options at his disposal. Even so, the absence of a player in such form feels like a harsh decision. Thierry Henry’s verdict only strengthens that argument. After Ekitike’s strike against Newcastle, the Arsenal legend described him as “outstanding”, an endorsement few young forwards could dream of receiving.

Konate Benefits from Continued Trust

While Ekitike waits for recognition at international level, Konate has been shown faith despite a less than convincing start to the campaign. The defender has faced criticism for a series of uneven performances, yet Deschamps has kept him in his plans. That confidence could serve as motivation as Liverpool face Arsenal, one of their biggest domestic rivals.

Liverpool Gain a Different Advantage

From a Liverpool perspective, the situation is far from disastrous. Slot will quietly welcome the chance to keep his new number 22 fresh and available during a congested early schedule. Without international commitments, Ekitike can focus on refining his game in training and avoiding the physical toll that competitive qualifiers might bring.

In contrast, Konate’s inclusion means the defender will travel with France and potentially return with added fatigue. Slot will be hoping that the benefits of Deschamps’ faith outweigh the risks.

Motivation for the Season Ahead

For Ekitike, rejection at this stage of his career can be reframed as inspiration. Few forwards sustain their level without setbacks, and the challenge now is to maintain his prolific form in Liverpool colours until the next international break. Goals have always been the clearest way of persuading Deschamps, and another strong month in the Premier League could turn this disappointment into an opportunity.

Liverpool supporters, meanwhile, may simply enjoy watching a striker who has already captured attention at Anfield. With Arsenal arriving on Sunday and Ekitike eager to prove a point, the story of his Liverpool journey may only be beginning.