Why Hugo Ekitike is Out of Liverpool’s Game vs Fulham

Liverpool FC will be without promising young striker Hugo Ekitike for their crucial Premier League clash against Fulham at Anfield this weekend. The 23-year-old French forward, who joined the Reds from Paris Saint-Germain in a £30 million deal last summer, has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury sustained during international duty.

Injury Details and Timeline

Ekitike picked up the knock while representing France in a recent UEFA Nations League qualifier against Italy. Initial scans revealed a Grade 1 hamstring strain in his left leg, ruling him out for the next two to three weeks. Liverpool's medical team confirmed the diagnosis after the player returned to Merseyside, opting for a conservative recovery plan to avoid long-term complications.

"Hugo felt tightness during the match and reported it immediately. We're disappointed, but these things happen in international breaks. He's responding well to treatment and should be back before the end of the month," said Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders in a pre-match press conference.

Impact on Liverpool's Attack

The absence is a blow for manager Arne Slot, who has relied on Ekitike's pace and finishing as a rotation option behind main strikers Darwin Núñez and Diogo Jota. Ekitike has featured in 12 league games this season, scoring four goals and providing two assists. His versatility to play as a central striker or on the left wing has been key in Liverpool's title-chasing campaign, where they sit top of the table with a seven-point lead.

Fulham, managed by Marco Silva, will fancy their chances exploiting Liverpool's depleted forward line. The Cottagers have won their last three away games, scoring freely through forwards like Raúl Jiménez and Adama Traoré.

Slot's Alternatives and Team News

Slot is expected to start Núñez up top, with Cody Gakpo likely shifting inside from the wing. Youngster Jayden Danns could make a rare appearance from the bench. Defensively, Liverpool welcome back Virgil van Dijk from suspension, bolstering the backline against Fulham's counter-attacks.

Fans remain optimistic, with Ekitike's injury not deemed serious. Liverpool aim to extend their unbeaten run to 15 games and solidify their position ahead of a congested festive schedule.

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