Image Credits: Imago Images
Hugo Ekitike’s absence from Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at Fulham on Sunday night was a glaring omission given the circumstances surrounding the Reds’ attacking depth. The French striker, who has been a revelation since joining from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer, was forced to withdraw just hours before kick-off after undergoing an MRI scan that revealed a minor hamstring issue.
With Alexander Isak sidelined since his collision with Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven in December, Ekitike has been required to shoulder the entire creative load up front. The 23-year-old had played six consecutive matches in the span of 26 days before the Fulham game.
The MRI scan findings came as a late blow—Slot’s medical staff had initially hoped the issue was merely delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), a common complaint after intensive fixture congestion. However, the scans painted a grimmer picture, forcing the decision to leave him out despite his availability to travel.
Now speaking in his pre-Arsenal press conference, Arne Slot has provided an update on Ekitike’s fitness and has suggested it would touch and go for Thursday:
“He’s not trained with us until today. Let’s see if he can today. I’ve said two or three days ago when we played Fulham that he’s not going to be out for long. But because games come so fast, he’s in-between training with the team and taking one or two days extra.”
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