Liverpool FC team news vs. Arsenal: Ekitike doubt with 6 already ruled out

Liverpool travel to Arsenal with concerns over the fitness of **Hugo Ekitike**, who is a major doubt for the clash after missing the 2-2 draw at Fulham with a muscle/hamstring issue. Although Arne Slot previously suggested the injury was not serious, Ekitike has not yet trained fully with the squad, leaving his availability in serious doubt and forcing Liverpool to plan for his absence.

In attack, this likely means **Cody Gakpo** will continue to lead the line, having scored against Fulham when deployed centrally. Florian Wirtz is expected to start from the left, while Jeremie Frimpong is in contention to start on the right, potentially giving Liverpool a more orthodox front three.

Slot is expected to move away from a four‑man attack and use a **4-3-3** shape. That would see **Alexis Mac Allister** and **Dominik Szoboszlai** operate in slightly deeper midfield roles alongside **Ryan Gravenberch**, with **Curtis Jones** the likely casualty if this reshuffle is confirmed. This structure is designed to give Liverpool greater control in midfield against a strong Arsenal side.

At the back, **Conor Bradley** should keep his place at right-back after a solid display, while on the opposite flank the more experienced **Andy Robertson** may be preferred to Milos Kerkez, whose form has been more erratic. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté are set to continue as the central defensive partnership, with **Alisson** in goal.

Liverpool are already without several key players. **Mohamed Salah** remains away at AFCON with Egypt, depriving Slot of his main attacking threat. **Alexander Isak**, **Wataru Endo** and **Giovanni Leoni** are sidelined through injury and will not feature. With six players effectively ruled out and Ekitike a major doubt, Slot’s options – particularly in attack – are significantly restricted for this important Premier League meeting at the Emirates.