Hugo Ekitike Left Out of Liverpool Squad vs Fulham as Injury Absence Explained

Liverpool face Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon, aiming to solidify their top-four position in the Premier League after a frustrating 0-0 draw against Leeds United mid-week.[1][5]

The Reds suffer an unexpected blow with forward Hugo Ekitike absent from the matchday squad due to a slight hamstring injury. Manager Arne Slot explained pre-match: “Hugo picked up a slight hamstring injury because we had to play him more and more minutes. Hopefully he will be back for the Arsenal game.”[1][4] This compounds Liverpool's striker woes, as Alexander Isak remains sidelined for months with a fractured leg sustained at Tottenham in December.[1][2]

Ekitike, in red-hot form recently, has stepped up amid Isak's absence. He reflected on the situation: "It's difficult... I try to do my job... the most important thing for me is to win."[2] Despite the recent draw, he urged focus on improvement ahead of Fulham: "We need to take the good things... and go to Fulham and show that we are always able to get better."[2]

Liverpool's confirmed lineup features three changes: Cody Gakpo, Milos Kerkez, and Alexis Mac Allister start. Full XI: Alisson, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez, Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Bradley, Jones, Gakpo, Gravenberch. Subs include returning Joe Gomez after his hamstring issue, plus Mamardashvili, Woodman, Chiesa, Robertson, Frimpong, Nyoni, Ramsay, and Ngumoha.[1][5][6]

Historically cagey encounters—last five decided by one goal—test Slot's side, who eye a narrative shift without their in-form Frenchman. Ekitike is expected back for the Arsenal clash, with FA Cup vs Barnsley next.[2][3]

(Word count: 298)