Liverpool could be without striker Hugo Ekitike for Thursday’s crucial Premier League clash away at league leaders Arsenal, with head coach Arne Slot casting doubt over the Frenchman’s availability due to a lingering hamstring issue.
Ekitike, who has netted eight goals in the league this season, sat out Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Fulham after picking up what Slot initially described as a minor injury. However, with the turnaround between fixtures proving relentless, time appears to be running out for the 22-year-old to recover in time.
Speaking ahead of the trip to north London, Slot confirmed that Ekitike has yet to rejoin full training and remains on the cusp of being ruled out.
“He hasn’t trained with us so far,” Slot explained. “We’ll see if he can train today. A few days ago, when we played Fulham, I said he wouldn’t be out for long, but the schedule is so intense.
“He’s kind of in between—maybe he trains with the team, or maybe he needs another day or two.”
Ekitike’s potential absence would further stretch Liverpool’s attacking options, with Slot already forced to cope without Alexander Isak, sidelined by a leg fracture, and Mohamed Salah, who is away on Africa Cup of Nations duty.
Should Ekitike fail to recover in time, Cody Gakpo is expected to continue leading the line. The Dutch forward has contributed five Premier League goals and three assists this season and may once again shoulder the attacking responsibility as the Reds look to disrupt Arsenal’s title push.
Liverpool currently sit fourth in the table, trailing Arsenal by 14 points. Despite their injury concerns, Slot’s side travel to the Emirates on the back of a nine-game unbeaten run in all competitions—though the manager admits that consistency remains an issue.
“It’s nine games unbeaten, but we’ve had too many draws,” Slot admitted. “We’re not where we want to be yet, but we have a very talented squad. If everyone is fit and available, I believe we can achieve something special.”
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