Arne Slot Issues Hugo Ekitike Injury Update as Liverpool Striker Misses Fulham Trip

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that star striker Hugo Ekitike will miss the Premier League clash against Fulham due to a hamstring injury, dealing a blow to the Reds' top-four ambitions.[2][5]

The French forward, who has emerged as Liverpool's first-choice No.9 following Alexander Isak's long-term leg fracture against Tottenham in December, was absent from the matchday squad at Craven Cottage on Sunday.[2][3] Ekitike, a summer signing from Eintracht Frankfurt, has been in red-hot form this season, netting 11 goals across all competitions and stepping up amid Isak's misfortune.[3]

Speaking pre-match, Slot explained: “Hugo picked up a slight hamstring injury because we had to play him more and more minutes. Hopefully he will be back for the Arsenal game.”[2][4] The club initially described it as a "minor fitness issue," but Slot clarified the hamstring nature to Sky Sports.[5] This comes after a frustrating 0-0 draw with Leeds United midweek, where Liverpool struggled to break down a low block.[3]

Ekitike himself recently opened up about profiting from Isak's injury, saying: "It's difficult... But for me, I try to do my job," emphasizing team success over personal glory.[3] With Isak sidelined for months, Ekitike's absence heightens pressure on alternatives like Cody Gakpo in the lineup featuring Alisson, Van Dijk, and Mac Allister.[2]

Slot's side, aiming to rebound against an inconsistent Fulham—where recent meetings have been tight, low-scoring affairs—face a busy January schedule.[2][3] Ekitike is expected to return for the Arsenal fixture, providing optimism for Liverpool's congested fixture list.[2][4]

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