Arne Slot gives Hugo Ekitike injury update ahead of testing trip to Premier League leaders Arsenal

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Independent or go back to LFC Live.

I cannot access the specific link you provided (https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/hugo-ekitike-injury-liverpool-news-b2895930.html), as I don't have the ability to browse websites or retrieve content from URLs outside of the search results provided to me. However, based on the search results available, I can provide you with information about Hugo Ekitike's injury situation ahead of Liverpool's match against Arsenal: **Hugo Ekitike Injury Update - Liverpool vs Arsenal** Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool's top scorer with 11 goals and two assists this season, missed the team's 2-2 draw at Fulham on Sunday due to a hamstring injury.[2] Manager Arne Slot explained that the 23-year-old French striker picked up the injury after being forced to play significantly increased minutes while covering for the long-term absence of Alexander Isak.[1] Slot stated that Ekitike, who is still adapting to Premier League football, struggled with the physical demands of playing 80-90 minutes every match without rest for the first time in his career.[4] The manager initially hoped the issue was simply delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), but MRI scans revealed "a little bit more."[4] As of the pre-match buildup to Thursday's Arsenal clash, Ekitike remained a major doubt for the encounter.[3] Slot expressed cautious optimism about a potential return, stating he hoped Ekitike could feature against Arsenal, though he emphasized uncertainty about his availability.[1] The injury situation is particularly concerning given that Liverpool are already without Isak (recovering from surgery on a lower-leg injury expected to sideline him until March), and midfielder Wataru Endo is also sidelined with an ankle problem.[3] Liverpool have no suspended players for the Arsenal match.