Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed doubts over striker Hugo Ekitike’s availability for Thursday’s Premier League clash with leaders Arsenal, with the French forward yet to return to training following a hamstring problem.
Ekitike, who has scored eight league goals this season, missed Sunday’s 2‑2 draw at Fulham due to what Slot described as a “slight injury.” The Dutch coach admitted that time is running out for the forward to be ready amid Liverpool’s quick fixture turnaround.
“He hasn’t trained with us up until now,” Slot said. “Let’s see if he can train with us today. Two or three days ago, when we played against Fulham, I said he wouldn’t be out for long but it’s hard because the games come so fast.”
“He is in‑between maybe training with the team or it maybe taking him one or two days extra.”
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Ekitike’s potential absence would be another blow for Slot, who is already without Alexander Isak due to a leg fracture and Mohamed Salah, who is away on Africa Cup of Nations duty.
In Ekitike’s absence, Slot may again turn to Cody Gakpo as his most advanced attacker. The Dutch forward has scored five Premier League goals and provided three assists this season and could lead the line.
Liverpool, currently fourth in the table, trail Arsenal by 14 points. Despite injury concerns, the team heads to north London on a nine‑game unbeaten run in all competitions, though Slot admitted not all those games have ended in victories.
“It is nine games unbeaten but we have definitely had two draws too many,” he said. “Where are we? I think I’ve said so many times that the answer to that question is we aren’t where we want to be. But I feel we have a very talented squad. If everyone’s available and ready, then I think we can do special things.”
