Does Ekitiké play today? Aston Villa x Liverpool in the Premier League

Hugo Ekitiké remains out of action after Aquiles’s hamstring rupture suffered in April. The French striker underwent surgery and is undergoing a long recovery, which rules him out of the rest of the season. Aston Villa and Liverpool face each other this Friday, at 4pm (Brasília time), in Villa Park, in Birmingham, with the two teams tied on 59 points in the Premier League table.

Arne Slot mounts the attack without the Frenchman and has options like Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak. Unai Emery prepares Aston Villa to exploit the absence in the rival offensive sector. The game is worth important points in the fight for a direct place in Champions League.

Ekitiké in long recovery after surgery

The 23-year-old suffered the serious injury against Paris Saint-Germain in April. Surgery took place on Londres and went well, but rehabilitation is expected to last between nine and twelve months. Ekitiké is unlikely to return to play in 2026.

Sua’s absence represents loss of depth in Liverpool’s attack. Arne Slot highlighted that the Frenchman has taken an important step in his recovery, but the focus is now full on rehabilitation. The coach regretted the prolonged absence.

• Ekitiké out since April with Aquiles breakout
• Cirurgia performed successfully
• Recuperação estimated at nine to twelve months
• Desfalque for the remainder of the season

Times compete for a place in Champions

Aston Villa occupies fifth place and plays at home with the support of the fans. Liverpool appears in fourth and seeks to score points to maintain G4. Villa Park should have a good crowd for the round 37 clash.

Unai Emery has an almost complete team. Do red side, in addition to the confirmed absence of Ekitiké, other absences such as Wataru Endo and Conor Bradley also weigh on the assembly.

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Escalação likely from Aston Villa

Unai Emery should go with the 4-2-3-1. Emi Martínez in goal. Defesa forms with Cash, Konsa, Torres and Digne. Meio-field has Lindelöf and Tielemans. Ataque has McGinn, Buendía, Rogers and Watkins as a center forward.

Escalação likely from Liverpool

Arne Slot prepares the 4-2-3-1. Mamardashvili on target. Linha defensive with Jones, Konaté, Van Dijk and Kerkez. Meio has Gravenberch and Mac Allister. In attack, Szoboszlai, Gakpo and Isak should form the front, with a possible participation of Salah in the second half.

Recent Confrontos show balance

Duels between teams are usually tight. Villa Park has been a tricky ballpark for Liverpool in recent years. Os Reds tries to overcome Ekitiké’s absence with a strong collective performance.

Onde watch live

No Brasil, the game is broadcast on Disney+ and ESPN. Coverage begins with pre-match, analysis and confirmed lineups before kick-off. Assinantes access the direct signal from Villa Park.

Game Ficha

• Campeonato: Premier League, round 37
• Estádio: Villa Park, Birmingham
• Árbitro: Chris Kavanagh
• Horário: 4pm (Brasília time)
• Transmissão: Disney+ and ESPN

The result could change the classification for the next Champions League. Aston Villa bets on the home factor. Liverpool, without Ekitiké, looks for important points with the available squad.