Slot confirms Ekitike fitness for Arsenal trip

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Arne Slot Confirms Latest on Hugo Ekitike Fitness

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has provided an update on striker Hugo Ekitike ahead of Thursday's crucial Premier League clash against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium. Ekitike remains a significant doubt for the match after missing last Sunday's 2-2 draw with Fulham due to delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and a slight hamstring issue.

Speaking on Wednesday morning, Slot confirmed that Ekitike has not yet trained with the squad. "He has not trained with us until now, and let's see if he can today," the Dutch manager said. He emphasized that while the injury is not expected to sideline the forward for an extended period, the demanding fixture schedule complicates his recovery timeline.

"I've said two or three days ago when we played Fulham that he is not going to be out for long but because games come so fast he is in between maybe training with the team or it would take him one or two days extra," Slot explained.

Ekitike, Liverpool's top goalscorer this season, will undergo a late fitness evaluation before the match. His availability is critical as Liverpool prepare for a pivotal encounter with Premier League leaders Arsenal, who hold a 14-point advantage in the standings.

Slot acknowledged the magnitude of the fixture, stating that a victory against Arsenal's "complete package" would demonstrate Liverpool's ability to compete at the highest level and boost confidence heading into the second half of the campaign.

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