**Arne Slot has delivered some promising injury news regarding Hugo Ekitike ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Arsenal in the Premier League later this week.**
The Reds again disappointed in Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Fulham, with the champions having to make do without Ekitike due to injury, which was a blow even before the game kicked off.
With the Frenchman absent, Liverpool looked toothless in attack for large periods, even though Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo both found the net.
Speaking to _Sky Sports_ before the match \[via [_Football Insider_](https://www.footballinsider247.com/everything-arne-slot-said-about-hugo-ekitike-as-liverpool-suffer-another-injury-blow/)\], Slot said he is confident that Ekitike will be back for Thursday’s tough trip to Premier League leaders Arsenal:
_“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. 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.”_
**Ekitike a vital figure for Liverpool vs. Arsenal**
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If Liverpool have to make do without Ekitike, Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak at Arsenal, it is only going to become a more daunting task for them.
As mentioned, the Reds struggled to be an attacking threat against Fulham, and it will be even harder to break down the Gunners, given their status as arguably the best defensive team in Europe currently.
The fact that Slot has spoken positively about Ekitike’s availability can only be a good thing, with the 23-year-old Liverpool’s only successful signing from the summer transfer window so far this season.
His pace and goal threat will be vital to the Reds’ chances of producing a shock at the Emirates, which is damning in itself, considering they started the season as the favourites to retain the Premier League title.
Liverpool are now playing for Champions League football, and if they can go to Arsenal and get a positive result on Thursday, hopefully aided by Ekitike’s return, it will be a step in the right direction.