Liverpool manager Arne Slot has delivered a concerning update on striker Hugo Ekitike's fitness, casting significant doubt over the forward's availability for the crucial Premier League clash against Arsenal on Thursday.
Injury Blow for Reds' Top Scorer
Ekitike was a notable absentee from the Liverpool squad that travelled to face Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday, 4th January 2026. Slot confirmed the French forward missed the match due to a hamstring problem, an issue directly linked to his increased workload.
The manager explained that the injury arose because Ekitike has been forced to play an unsustainable number of minutes since first-choice striker Alexander Isak suffered a broken leg against Tottenham before Christmas. With Isak sidelined long-term, Ekitike became Slot's only recognised striking option.
Race Against Time for Arsenal
Slot expressed hope but no certainty that his top scorer would recover in time to face league leaders Arsenal. "Hopefully he will be back for the Arsenal game, but that is not sure yet," the Dutchman stated.
He elaborated on the root cause, saying, "Alexander Isak has been out for a few weeks now, and that has meant Hugo has had to play more minutes than he did throughout the whole season. That has led to the fact that he picked up a slight hamstring injury because we had to play him more and more minutes."
Slot highlighted the adaptation challenge for the 23-year-old, adding, "For a player that is his age and is not used to the Premier League completely, that has been a bit too much."
Broader Concerns for Liverpool's Attack
Ekitike's potential absence presents a major headache for Slot. The former Eintracht Frankfurt player is Liverpool's top scorer this season with eight goals in eighteen Premier League appearances, and had been in fine form with five goals in five games before a recent two-match drought.
In his absence against Fulham, Slot deployed Cody Gakpo as a central striker, supported by Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz, leaving the Reds without a natural number nine.
The situation underscores a lack of depth up front and raises questions about squad management during Isak's extended injury layoff. With the Swede not expected back soon, managing Ekitike's fitness upon his return will be critical.
The injury news comes as Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher urged the team to play with more attacking verve, suggesting Slot's side had been playing "with the handbrake on" following a recent goalless draw with Leeds.
All eyes will now be on Ekitike's recovery progress, with Liverpool's prospects against the league leaders potentially hinging on the fitness of their most potent goal threat.
