Fulham 2-2 Liverpool: Match Review
Liverpool injury news on Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak ahead of the Premier League clash against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Arne Slot has suggested that Liverpool's clash against Arsenal might be too soon for Hugo Ekitike to make a return to action.
The striker was absent from the Reds' squad for their 2-2 draw against Fulham on Sunday. Ekitike has been excellent since joining Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer transfer window, scoring 11 goals in all competitions.
However, a hamstring issue meant that he was ruled out of the Craven Cottage encounter. Ekitike did travel with Liverpool's squad but was not risked. The Reds already have Alexander Isak unavailable with a broken leg, meaning Ekitike is the only out-and-out striker in Liverpool's squad. In addition, Mo Salah is currently unavailable as he represents Egypt at the African Cup of Nations.
Slot's side have a swift turnaround as they travel to Premier League leaders Arsenal on Thursday. Liverpool, the defending champions, are 14 points adrift of the Gunners.
Speaking to beIN Sport, Slot insisted Liverpool will continue to assess Ekitike this week - but shrouded doubt on whether the France international can feature at the Emirates Stadium. The Reds head coach replied when asked if Ekitike might be available: "Could be. Let's wait and see how he does [Monday] and the days after. It's always going to be a thin line and a difficult balance. If a player is not available today, is he then available in four days?
"Especially if Alexander Isak is out for three months... I don't know exactly how long but for weeks and months. Then you have to make the right decision and right call on Hugo. But we will listen to him, listen to the medical staff and then we will make the right choice.”
Liverpool striker options
If Ekitike is again sidelined, Cody Gakpo will again likely lead the line against Arsenal. The Netherlands international was regarded as a striker under former manager Jurgen Klopp but has almost exclusively operated as a left-winger since Slot took the Anfield hot seat.
Gakpo thought he had secured Liverpool victory when netting in the 94th minute at Fulham. However, the Reds failed to see the game out, with Harrison Reed firing home a long-range wonder strike three minutes later.
Slot believes that Federico Chiesa can operate as a centre-forward although the Italian has been overlooked for much of the campaign. Chiesa started a 2-1 win over Wolves last month but has largely been confined to a bit-part role.
Jayden Danns, the 19-year-old striker, is well regarded by Liverpool and has been tipped to play for England by Reds under-21s head coach Rob Page. However, Danns has had frustrating injury issues over the past 18 months and he is currently battling back from a hamstring problem.
Continue Reading