“Hamstring concern” – Slot confirms Ekitike issue at the most untimely moment
Liverpool’s confirmed starting XI for Fulham appears routine at first glance, yet one notable omission subtly alters the balance of the afternoon.
Hugo Ekitike was left out of the matchday squad at Craven Cottage, with the club later confirming the French forward is dealing with a minor hamstring problem. The clarification followed swiftly after the team news, with David Lynch providing further detail on X.
Arne Slot has explained that the issue stems from Ekitike’s recent workload, while stressing that Liverpool are optimistic the No.22 will be fit in time for the Arsenal clash. That reassurance is important, because in the immediate term this absence forces Liverpool into a delicate tactical situation.
With Alexander Isak already unavailable and Ekitike now sidelined, the Reds head to Fulham without a natural centre-forward. As a result, Florian Wirtz may be pushed into a false-nine role, or Cody Gakpo could be asked to lead the line centrally — a position he has rarely looked fully at ease in.
The concern is amplified by Slot’s recent emphasis on safeguarding players from muscle injuries. After the draw with Leeds, the former Feyenoord coach explained his decision to substitute Wirtz, saying the player still felt discomfort in his hamstring two days after the Wolves match.
“With the run of games coming up, it was simply too big a risk,” the 47-year-old said.
Against that backdrop, today’s selection feels slightly at odds with that caution, even if circumstances have limited the alternatives. Ekitike’s value was underlined only days ago, when his missed chance against Leeds highlighted both Liverpool’s dominance and their lack of cutting edge.
The situation also throws squad depth back into the spotlight at an uncomfortable moment. Questions remain over why reinforcements cannot be accessed more easily, particularly in relation to Harvey Elliott’s situation.
According to Paul Joyce, the former Fulham youngster remains in limbo at Aston Villa, with no indication that Liverpool are considering recalling him despite his lack of playing time. With a proven option theoretically available, the current thinness of the squad feels avoidable.
As things stand, Liverpool are leaning heavily on careful minute management, tactical adaptability and calculated risk. The starting XI still boasts quality, experience and control — but with Ekitike absent and Arsenal on the horizon, the room for error feels narrower than it should.