Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike was a surprise omission from the squad to face Fulham on Sunday afternoon and Arne Slot has now given an update
Connor O'Neill
12:12, 07 Jan 2026Updated 12:32, 07 Jan 2026
Hugo Ekitike before a Liverpool game
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Hugo Ekitike is a doubt for Liverpool's clash with Arsenal(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Arne Slot has cast doubt over Hugo Ekitike's availability for Liverpool's upcoming match against Arsenal. Ekitike was notably absent from the 2-2 draw with Fulham on Sunday.
Before the Craven Cottage clash, Slot disclosed that Ekitike was sidelined due to a hamstring problem. The striker is currently Liverpool's leading scorer this season, having netted 11 goals in all competitions and is the club's main striker in the absence of Alexander Isak through injury.
But after the summer signing missed out on the dramatic draw on the Reds' last trip to London, Slot has now suggested that Ekitike might also miss the game at the Emirates Stadium. He stated: "He has not trained with us until now and let's see if he can today.
Hugo Ekitike during a Liverpool game
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Hugo Ekitike is a doubt for Liverpool's clash with Arsenal(Image: Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
"I have said two or three days ago that he is not going to be out for long but, because games come so fast, he's in between training with the team or it could take him one or two days extra."
Slot's side are a huge 14 points behind Arsenal but he has maintained his side can still have a successful season.
"We still have a lot to play for in the Premier League but we are also in the FA Cup and in the Champions League, and these are knockout games, these are games where you can face teams like Arsenal," he said.
Arne Slot during a Liverpool game
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Arne Slot believes Liverpool can still have a good season(Image: Izzy Poles - AMA/Getty Images)
"So, also for that reason, it is an important game for us to see where we are in a one-off game, to see where we are against a very, very good Arsenal. They have been for years very good and this season probably even better than the years before."
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Slot also discussed transfers and a potential move for a centre-back as speculation continues around Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi after a failed move for the defender at the end of the summer transfer window.
"I think there's no manager in the world that would tell you, 'I'm completely happy that I only have two centre-backs available', but you have to look at the bigger picture and the bigger picture is that we've signed an unbelievable talented player with Giovanni Leoni who will be back next season," he added.
"This is the way this club works. It is not that there is no limitation on us spending. We have to do smart things."