Hugo Ekitike injury: Liverpool to “do everything” for cup return – and Wataru Endo latest

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Liverpool are closely monitoring the fitness of Hugo Ekitike and Wataru Endo ahead of their FA Cup third-round tie at Anfield against Barnsley, with Arne Slot determined to field a strong side and avoid any upset.

Ekitike has missed recent games after picking up a minor hamstring problem, but his manager has confirmed the club will “do everything” to have him available for Monday’s cup clash. Slot described the French forward’s issue as short term and stressed how important his return would be, especially with key attackers already absent and Liverpool’s forward options stretched. Ekitike has been one of the brighter performers in a difficult season and is seen as a potential starter if passed fit, though his inclusion is not yet guaranteed.[2][3]

Endo, meanwhile, is edging closer to a comeback after an ankle injury that has sidelined him for around two months. Slot explained that the Japan international is due to rejoin training “one of these days,” but cautioned there is a significant difference in readiness between a player who has been out for a week, like Ekitike, and one returning from a longer layoff like Endo. As a result, Endo is more likely to be eased back gradually rather than immediately thrust into the starting XI against Barnsley.[2][3]

With Conor Bradley also facing a spell out after a knee problem, Liverpool’s injury situation has forced Slot to carefully balance rotation with the need to respect the competition. The manager reiterated his intention to pick a competitive lineup and highlighted that both Ekitike and Endo are firmly in his thoughts for involvement once their fitness is confirmed, underlining their importance to the squad’s depth in a congested period.[2][3]