Arne Slot Issues Hugo Ekitike Injury Update as Liverpool Star Misses Fulham Game

Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike sat out the team's Premier League clash against Fulham due to a minor hamstring injury, head coach Arne Slot confirmed. The French forward, Liverpool's top scorer this season with 11 goals across all competitions, was absent from the squad at Craven Cottage on Sunday.[1][2][4]

Slot attributed the injury to Ekitike's increased workload during the festive period. With Mohamed Salah away at the Africa Cup of Nations for the last three matches and Alexander Isak sidelined for several weeks with an ankle injury, Ekitike had shouldered a heavier load. He featured in recent games, including the home win over Wolves and the 0-0 draw with Leeds United.[1]

"Isak has been out for a few weeks now and that's meant Ekitike had to play more minutes than the previous part of the season," Slot explained to Sky Sports before the Fulham game. "That's led to him picking up a slight hamstring injury, and for a player of his age, not completely used to the Premier League, that's been a bit too much. That's why he will be out for today - and hopefully back for the Arsenal game."[1][4]

Liverpool confirmed Ekitike's absence was due to a "minor fitness problem," raising concerns ahead of their crucial midweek trip to face Premier League leaders Arsenal at the Emirates on Thursday. His potential return offers hope, but Slot faces an injury scare at a pivotal time.[2][3]

Without Ekitike, Slot opted for Florian Wirtz or Cody Gakpo up front. The lineup featured Alisson in goal; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez in defense; Gravenberch, Jones in midfield; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Wirtz; and Gakpo leading the line.[2]

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