“Maybe…” – Arne Slot offers cautious update on Ekitike’s fitness ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Arsenal

Hugo Ekitike was a notable late absentee from Liverpool’s 2-2 draw away at Fulham on Sunday after picking up a minor hamstring issue.

The 23-year-old has missed just three matches all season, and Arne Slot suggested the problem was the result of his demanding workload, with rotation options already limited due to Alexander Isak’s long-term absence. With Liverpool set to visit Premier League leaders Arsenal on Thursday, time is against the forward, leaving supporters nervously awaiting news on whether the club’s top scorer this season will be fit for the trip to the Emirates.

Slot unsure over Ekitike’s availability for Arsenal

Speaking after the Fulham match, Slot was cautious when asked about Ekitike’s chances of featuring against the Gunners, admitting the short turnaround may work against him.

When questioned by beIN SPORTS on the striker’s fitness, the Liverpool head coach said:
“Possibly. We have to wait and see how he responds over the next few days. It’s always a fine margin and a difficult decision. If a player isn’t fit today, can he really be ready four days later?”

A clearer update is expected in Slot’s pre-match press conference on Wednesday, but his initial comments suggest Ekitike could struggle to make Thursday’s clash — a significant blow for the defending champions in what has already been a challenging campaign.

Cody Gakpo was able to lead the line against Fulham and found the net, but Liverpool will need their strongest possible XI when facing an Arsenal side that has recently increased its lead over Manchester City at the top of the table.

At Craven Cottage, Slot had just one senior attacking option on the bench in Federico Chiesa, who is rarely handed a starting role. By comparison, Mikel Arteta was able to introduce Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus from the bench against Bournemouth, without even calling upon Eberechi Eze.

Should Ekitike recover in time to start at the Emirates, Slot could then rest him for the FA Cup tie against Barnsley next Monday, allowing the striker to recharge ahead of a demanding run of fixtures later in January.

Liverpool will be hoping the 23-year-old is given the green light for Thursday, as they will need all the attacking threat they can muster if they are to stretch their unbeaten run to ten matches.