Arne Slot Shares Fresh Hugo Ekitike Injury Update Before Liverpool Take on Arsenal

Liverpool manager Arne Slot provided the latest update on star striker Hugo Ekitike's hamstring injury ahead of Thursday's crucial Premier League clash against leaders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Ekitike, Liverpool's top goalscorer this season, missed Sunday's 2-2 draw at Fulham after feeling discomfort in his hamstring, forcing him to sit out entirely.[2][3]

Slot revealed that Ekitike has not yet trained with the team as of Wednesday morning, but there's hope he could return today. "He’s not trained with us til now. Let’s see if he can today," Slot said. "I said two or three days ago when we played Fulham that he’s not going to be out for long, but because games come so fast, he’s in between maybe training with the team or it may take him one or two days extra."[2] The Dutch coach remains optimistic, previously telling Sky Sports, "hopefully [he’ll be] back for the Arsenal game."[3]

The injury scare follows medical tests, including an MRI scan, which initially raised concerns beyond delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)—a common issue for new arrivals like Ekitike adapting to the Premier League's intense festive schedule. "He felt something during the MRI scan... We were hoping it was a bit of DOMS, which he also had," Slot explained post-Fulham. Midfielder Florian Wirtz faced a similar muscular problem last week but played through after scans confirmed only DOMS.[3]

Ekitike's absence adds pressure amid Liverpool's injury crisis. Big-money signing Alexander Isak is out for the season with a broken leg from December, while others like Joe Gomez (hamstring) and Wataru Endo (ankle) remain sidelined. Midfielder Stefan Bajcetic suffered a fresh hamstring setback, ruling him out until late January and scuppering loan moves.[1]

Fans speculate further after Liverpool staff, including the head of physiotherapy and Conor Bradley, removed Ekitike from their Fantasy Premier League teams—a potential hint of doubt, though Slot's press conference later Wednesday should clarify.[4] With Isak sidelined, Ekitike's fitness is pivotal for the Reds' title push.

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