“Sharp-eyed supporter spots Ekitike absent from Liverpool’s squad heading to London
Liverpool’s preparations for a crucial trip to Arsenal have taken an unexpected twist after a casual public sighting sparked renewed attention on one unresolved selection question. David Tierney shared photos on X showing his son alongside several members of the squad at Runcorn train station, including Joe Gomez, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Ryan Gravenberch, Florian Wirtz, Virgil van Dijk, Alexis Mac Allister, and Alisson Becker.
The post quickly caught fans’ eyes, who flooded the replies with questions—particularly about one notable absence. Several supporters asked whether Hugo Ekitike was present, to which Tierney replied, “Nope,” confirming the forward was not in the group. When another fan asked if he had seen Hugo, Tierney again confirmed the French striker was absent, prompting lighthearted frustration from supporters already concerned about his availability.
Tierney also revealed the squad arrived around 4:10 pm for the 4:27 pm train, confirming the Runcorn train station location, though he declined to explain how he knew the team would be there.
The timing of the sighting has inevitably sparked speculation, with Liverpool preparing to face Arsenal amid an already complex attacking situation. Earlier this week, Arne Slot addressed Ekitike’s fitness, explaining in his pre-match press conference that the 23-year-old had not trained fully and was “in between” returning, suggesting he might need “one or two days extra.”
Uncertainty around Ekitike has persisted, particularly given the significant role the former Eintracht Frankfurt forward has played in Liverpool’s recent momentum—a period defined as much by mindset as results. After being named the club’s Player of the Month for December, the No. 22 highlighted the importance of maintaining an unbeaten run during a challenging spell, emphasizing that team victories outweigh individual accolades.
With Mohamed Salah away at the Africa Cup of Nations and Alexander Isak sidelined long-term, any absence is felt more acutely, leaving Slot’s options against Arsenal already limited. Whether the train station sighting is significant or coincidental, it has once again put Ekitike’s status at the center of discussion.