Liverpool manager Arne Slot has provided an update on the fitness of striker Hugo Ekitike ahead of their crucial Premier League match against Arsenal. Ekitike was absent from the Reds' 2-2 draw against Fulham on Sunday due to a hamstring complaint.
Slot revealed that Ekitike felt discomfort during training, which led to an MRI scan. The results of the scan were received while the team was en route to London. Slot initially hoped it was just delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), which Ekitike was also experiencing. However, the scan revealed "a bit more," prompting the decision to rest him as a precaution.
The Liverpool boss attributed Ekitike's injury to the increased workload he has had to shoulder in the absence of Alexander Isak, who has been sidelined for a few weeks. Slot noted that Ekitike has been playing more minutes than he is accustomed to, especially considering the physical demands of the Premier League and the lack of a winter break. "That has led to the fact that he picked up a slight hamstring injury, because we had to play him more and more and more minutes," Slot told Sky Sports. "For a player that's his age and is not used to the Premier League completely, that has been a bit too much".
Slot remains optimistic that the injury is not severe and that Ekitike could be available for the Arsenal game. Speaking to Sky Sports, Slot said he was hopeful Ekitike would be back for the Arsenal game, but admitted that it was "definitely not sure yet". However, as of Wednesday, Ekitike had not yet returned to training with the team. Slot said, "He's not trained with us until now. Let's see if he can today".
Ekitike's potential absence would be a significant blow for Liverpool, who are already without Alexander Isak and Mohamed Salah. With a challenging match against the league leaders looming, Slot will be eager to have as many options available as possible. If Ekitike is unavailable, Cody Gakpo or Florian Wirtz are likely to lead the attack at the Emirates.
Liverpool's form has been inconsistent recently, with Slot describing their season as a "constant battle". While they are unbeaten in eight matches, Slot admitted that they are not "flying" and are not yet in contention to retain their title. He believes the title race is currently between Arsenal and Manchester City.
The match against Arsenal is seen as a crucial test for Liverpool and Slot, with some suggesting that it could determine the direction of their season. A defeat could raise further doubts about Liverpool's chances of securing a Champions League spot and put pressure on Slot.
Adding to the uncertainty, it has been noted that Liverpool player Conor Bradley, along with members of the team's staff, removed Ekitike from their Fantasy Premier League teams, further fueling speculation about his availability. Slot is expected to provide a further update on Ekitike's fitness during his pre-match press conference on Wednesday.
