Hugo Ekitike has been omitted from the Liverpool matchday squad in their Premier League clash against Fulham.
The Frenchman has been one of the standout players for the Reds so far this season, but will not be in action on Sunday afternoon.
Arne Slot.
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Slot will have to make do without Ekitike against FulhamCredit: Getty
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has not selected him in the starting XI or bench.
This is due to a minor fitness issue, as per the reigning champions, but Slot later confirmed it's a hamstring injury.
Instead, it appears as though Cody Gakpo will be the man to lead the attack at Craven Cottage.
Federico Chiesa, who can play as a forward, is among the substitutes against Fulham.
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Ekitike is the second striker to pick up an injury in recent weeks for Liverpool after Alexander Isak suffered a broken leg.
What did Slot say on Ekitike injury?
Speaking to Sky Sports, Slot said: "Alexander Isak has been out for a few weeks now.
"That has meant that Hugo had to play more minutes than he did throughout the whole season."
Slot added: "He picked up a slight hamstring injury because we had to play him more and more, and more minutes.
"For a player at his age, and is not used to the Premier League completely, that has been a bit too much.
"So, that's why he will be out for today and hopefully be back for the Arsenal game. But that's definitely not sure yet."
Hugo Ekitike.
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A fitness issue has kept Ekitike out of the squadCredit: Getty
Liverpool travel to league leaders Arsenal on Thursday night as they look to cement their spot in the top four.
However, they must first face a Fulham side who are unbeaten in their last four Premier League matches.
Three of those results have ended in victories against Burnley, Nottingham Forest and West Ham.
A win for Liverpool would see them close the gap on Manchester City to five points before they face Chelsea later in the day.