Ekitike was forced off in the eighth minute after a scuffle with former Liverpool player James Milner. The Frenchman left the pitch in tears when he was replaced by Curtis Jones.
The Merseyside club has previously suffered injuries to strikers Alexander Isak and Mohamed Salah, as well as goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
Just minutes after Ekitike's substitution, Danny Welbeck made it 1–0 for Brighton. Milos Kerkez equalised fifteen minutes later, but ten minutes into the second half Welbeck scored his second goal of the day, making it 2–1.
Swedish Yasin Ayari was replaced in the 83rd minute.
Liverpool are fifth in the table and could be overtaken by Chelsea if the London club takes points against Everton on Saturday night. Brighton are eighth.
