Hugo Ekitike
Hugo Ekitike is not in Arne Slot's squad (Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Hugo Ekitike has been left out of Liverpool's squad vs Fulham. The French striker has been ruled out of the trip to Craven Cottage with what the club describe as a minor fitness issue.
Arne Slot is without forward options in Alexander Isak, who remains out injured, and Mohamed Salah, who is competing in the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt. But the Dutch coach is now also without Ekitike in addition to those absences.
Ekitike has scored eight goals in eighteen Premier League matches but has gone goalless in his last two outings against Wolves and Leeds United. The former Frankfurt forward had bagged five goals in three outings before that, however.
Cody Gakpo looks set to lead the line in west London, with attacking support from Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz as Liverpool take to the field without a recognised striker.
Gakpo is one of three players to come into Slot's starting lineup. Milos Kerkez and Alexis Mac Allister return to the fold as Jeremie Frimpong and Andrew Robertson drop to the bench.
[
TNT Sports issue statement after major fault during Leeds vs Man Utd](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/breaking-tnt-sports-leeds-manutd-36494972)
[
Luis Diaz embarks on surprise new career just six months after leaving Liverpool](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/liverpool-luis-diaz-new-career-36490725)
Defender Joe Gomez has returned to Liverpool's matchday squad following injury and was named among the substitutes.
Liverpool starting XI: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Gakpo, Wirtz
There will be more to follow on this breaking news story andMirror Sport will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible.
Pleasecheck back regularly for updates on this developing story.