What Liverpool star Hugo Ekitike did in training speaks volumes on Frankfurt return

Hugo Ekitike was caught sporting an Eintracht Frankfurt training shirt prior to Liverpool's Champions League clash with the German outfit. The French striker moved to the Reds from Frankfurt during the summer transfer window for £69million, with potential add-ons taking it to £79million, yet it appears his fondness for his previous club remains strong.

Footage circulated on social media last week showed the 23-year-old wearing a Frankfurt kit while participating in a shooting exercise during international duty with France. Despite spending fewer than two years in Germany, the club evidently maintains a cherished position in his affections.

He arrived at Frankfurt from Paris Saint-Germain in February 2024, initially on a temporary basis, before securing a permanent switch that summer.

The striker proceeded to net 22 goals during his maiden and sole complete campaign at Deutsche Bank Park, displays which secured him a lucrative transfer to Liverpool.

Following his Anfield arrival, Ekitike posted an emotional tribute on social media, characterising his connection with Frankfurt as "true love" and declaring the club was "engraved" within him.

He even extended best wishes to his former teammates in the Champions League - playfully adding, "unless you face me.

"It's crazy how quickly time flies but leaves us indelible traces and memories," Ekitike penned on Instagram.

"I haven't forgotten anything since my first day among you.

"The truth is it's here that I learned love - true love. First the love of the most incredible fans ever (thank you for your love your warmth and your support, thank you for celebrated me as one of yours every time, I never felt like a stranger among you). Then the love of the entire club from top to bottom.

"You have each been at one time a shoulder or an ear for me. I grew up with you and I owe you for continuing to be what I have become among you and hold your values high... We never really leave those we love, even far from Deutsche Bank Park, I will fulfil my new role, being the first supporter of this club that I love."

He added: "Wish you guys well in the Champions League (unless you face me)."

Ekitike is expected to line up against his former side on Wednesday, having only appeared as a substitute in Liverpool's 2-1 loss to Manchester United on Sunday.

He was named in the starting XI for seven of Liverpool's opening eight fixtures this season, netting five times whilst also providing one assist.

Nevertheless, in his latest outings he has found himself playing second fiddle to fellow summer arrival Alexander Isak, who seems to have cemented his position as Arne Slot's favoured striker. Since netting the decisive goal against Everton a month ago, Ekitike has been restricted to a mere 44 minutes of Premier League action.

This lack of pitch time comes despite Isak's unimpressive form. The Swedish forward has yet to score in four league matches and has only found the back of the net once in seven games across all competitions - the first goal in a 2-1 triumph over Championship team Southampton.

In that same match, Ekitike was brought on as a substitute to score a thrilling last-minute winner, only to be shown a red card moments later after receiving a second yellow for taking off his shirt during the celebration.

Following a woeful run of form that has seen Liverpool suffer four consecutive defeats across all competitions, the Premier League champions will be desperate to bounce back against Frankfurt. Ekitike, returning to familiar ground, will undoubtedly be keen to make his mark - and a standout performance could not only ignite a Liverpool resurgence, but also help him regain his place in Slot's starting line-up.