Arne Slot provides an update on Hugo Ekitike’s injury and MRI findings as Liverpool shift focus to Arsenal

 

 

Arne Slot revealed that Hugo Ekitike did make the trip with Liverpool for their Premier League meeting with Fulham, but was ultimately left out of the matchday squad after his MRI results were reviewed.

The French forward missed the 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage due to a hamstring problem. Liverpool were already short of attacking options, with Alexander Isak still sidelined after suffering a broken leg last month, while Mohamed Salah is away on international duty with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations. As a result, Slot decided not to take any risks with Ekitike.

Explaining the situation, Slot pointed to the heavy workload on his players, noting that since Isak’s absence, others have been forced to play extended minutes without adequate rest. He added that the player has been operating at a high intensity every game, including Champions League football, without a winter break. While the staff initially hoped the issue was just muscle soreness (DOMS) and that Ekitike could feature off the bench, scans showed something more serious, prompting caution.

Despite the frustration, Liverpool extended their unbeaten run to nine matches, though they were left disappointed after letting victory slip at Fulham. The Reds controlled large spells of the first half but fell behind when Harry Wilson struck for the hosts.

After the interval, Florian Wirtz brought Liverpool level, with his goal eventually standing following a long VAR check that overturned the assistant’s offside flag. Deep into stoppage time, Cody Gakpo thought he had secured Liverpool’s first win of 2026 by converting Jeremie Frimpong’s cross. However, Fulham had the final say when Harrison Reed was given too much space and unleashed a stunning 35-yard strike just minutes later, leaving Slot’s side stunned at full-time.