Liverpool’s top scorer this season is dealing with a hamstring injury, with the Reds facing Arsenal on Thursday
Bookmark popover
Hugo Ekitike missed the trip to Fulham
Hugo Ekitike missed the trip to Fulham (Getty Images)
Your support helps us to tell the story
Read moreSupport Now
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
**Your support makes all the difference.**Read more
Hugo Ekitike missed Liverpool’s trip to Fulham due to a minor hamstring injury but could return in time for the clash with Premier League leaders Arsenal on Thursday.
Head coach Arne Slot said the striker, who is Liverpool’s top scorer this season with 11 goals in all competitions, picked up the problem due to an increased workload over the festive period.
The Premier League champions have been without Mohamed Salah for the last three matches as he has been at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Alexander Isak is set for several weeks on the sidelines due to an ankle injury, which has left Ekitike playing a major role.
The France international featured in the home win over Wolves and the goalless draw with Leeds.
"Isak has been out for a few weeks now and that's meant Ekitike had to play more minutes than the previous part of the season,” Slot told Sky Sports before the Fulham clash.
"That's led to him picking up a slight hamstring injury, and for a player of his age, not completely used to the Premier League, that's been a bit too much.
“That's why he will be out for today - and hopefully back for the Arsenal game.”