Liverpool suffer major setback as Hugo Ekitike ruled out of Arsenal clash

Liverpool have been dealt a massive injury blow after in-form striker Hugo Ekitike was ruled out of their crucial Premier League trip to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

The French forward, who has quickly become a key figure in Liverpool’s attack following his summer arrival, had been a fitness doubt after missing the recent draw with Fulham due to muscle problems. Initially, Arne Slot suggested the issue was minor and that Ekitike might recover in time, but further assessment confirmed he will not be available for the showdown against the league leaders.

The timing could hardly be worse for Liverpool. With Alexander Isak already sidelined by a serious ankle and fibula injury and Mohamed Salah away on international duty, Slot’s attacking options are severely depleted. Ekitike’s absence removes Liverpool’s main central goal threat, forcing a reshuffle in the front line and increasing the pressure on back‑up forwards to deliver in one of the most demanding fixtures of the season.

Ekitike’s impact since joining has been significant: his movement, link-up play and clinical finishing have made him the focal point of Liverpool’s revamped forward line, and his goals have been central to their push for a top‑four place and an outside title challenge. Losing him, even short term, not only affects Liverpool’s scoring potential but also their tactical balance, as Slot must now improvise without a natural like-for-like replacement.

The article notes that Liverpool will likely turn to options such as Cody Gakpo and wide forwards operating in unfamiliar roles through the middle. However, facing an Arsenal side in strong form and boasting a settled defence, Ekitike’s injury is framed as a potentially decisive setback, reducing Liverpool’s chances of claiming a result in a match billed as pivotal to the Premier League title race.