Hugo Ekitike Injury Confirmed as Arne Slot Explains Doubt for Arsenal

Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike has been ruled out of the team's Premier League match against Fulham due to a slight hamstring injury, as confirmed by head coach Arne Slot. The 23-year-old French international, in his first season with the Reds, has been a key figure in the attack amid the absence of £125m striker Alexander Isak[1][2].

Ekitike has netted eight goals in 18 league appearances during the 2025-26 campaign, stepping up significantly since Isak's leg injury against Tottenham—his third goal of the season. With Isak sidelined for weeks, Ekitike faced an increased workload, playing more minutes than at any point prior[1][2]. Slot explained to Sky Sports ahead of the Fulham clash at Craven Cottage: "Alexander Isak has been out for a few weeks now. That has meant that Hugo had to play more minutes than he did throughout the whole season. That has led to... a slight hamstring injury."[2]

The Dutch manager added, "For a player that's his age and is not used to the Premier League completely, that has been a bit too much. 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] Liverpool announced Ekitike's absence as a "minor fitness issue" in their lineup reveal, with hopes of his return for the January 8 trip to face league leaders Arsenal[1].

Despite blanking in recent games against Wolves and Leeds, Ekitike's impact is evident. Slot praised his fair play against Leeds, where he stayed on his feet after a foul by Pascal Struijk that could have yielded a penalty: "He stayed on his feet. Had he gone down, it likely would have been a penalty."[1] The injury comes at a busy time, with Liverpool drawing their New Year's opener and facing eight more fixtures in January 2026[1].

Ekitike's potential absence against Arsenal underscores Liverpool's attacking depth concerns, but Slot remains optimistic about a swift recovery[1][2].

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