Everything Arne Slot Said About Hugo Ekitike as Liverpool Suffer Another Injury Blow

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot addressed the status of forward Hugo Ekitike amid the club's growing injury concerns, confirming the 22-year-old Frenchman's absence from the recent match against Fulham due to workload fatigue rather than a serious knock.[2][5]

Speaking to Sky Sports before the Fulham game, Slot explained that Ekitike, still adapting to the Premier League's demands, had faced excessive strain. "For a player that’s his age and is not used to the Premier League completely, that has been a bit too much," Slot said. He omitted Ekitike from the squad at Craven Cottage as a precaution, adding, "So, that’s why he will be out for today and hopefully be back for the Arsenal game, but that’s definitely not sure yet."[2]

Ekitike's potential unavailability heightens Liverpool's injury woes, especially after leaning on his mobility and pressing since Alexander Isak's injury. Without him, the team's attack becomes less direct, relying more on wide play against Arsenal's solid defense.[2] Slot's cautious update comes as Liverpool navigates a packed schedule, with Ekitike's vertical threat crucial to their transitional style.

Earlier frustrations surfaced in the goalless draw with Leeds on New Year’s Day, where Ekitike was held in the box but stayed on his feet, denying a potential penalty. Slot backed his player: “No, because he stayed on his feet. When he would have fallen down, that would probably be a penalty.” He noted Liverpool's penalty drought this season—only one awarded—citing denied spot-kicks and "soft penalties" conceded elsewhere. "I can understand why he doesn’t go down, because this season so many times when we were fouled inside the 18-yard box, we didn’t get a penalty," Slot added. He emphasized integrity: “We are just who we are. We won the league by being the team we are last season.”[1]

Looking back, Slot criticized Ekitike's past red card against Southampton in September 2025 for a "stupid" second yellow, calling it "not smart" despite the win. Teammates covered, but it led to a suspension.[3][4]

Liverpool now faces Arsenal with uncertainty over Ekitike, testing Slot's squad depth amid mounting injury blows.[2][5]

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