Liverpool “will do everything” to have Hugo Ekitike fit for the visit of Barnsley in the FA Cup after he missed the last two matches with a hamstring issue.
Injury Update: Hugo Ekitike & Wataru Endo Latest
Ekitike latest: Liverpool are doing all they can for Hugo Ekitike to be fit for Monday. While not “100% sure,” Slot hopes the Frenchman can return following a hamstring issue.
Endo return plan: After one month out with an ankle injury, Wataru Endo is nearing a training return. Barnsley’s visit comes too, however.
Squad choice:Arne Slot has guaranteed a strong squad at Anfield, which will rely on the core of senior players who featured at Arsenal.
Liverpool host League One’s Barnsley on Monday evening, and Arne Slot has already issued a “guarantee” that he will be naming a strong squad for the occasion.
Ekitike has missed the last two games after an MRI scan showed he suffered more than muscle soreness (DOMS) in his hamstring, but the hope is that he takes a step forward over the weekend.
In his preview of the FA Cup clash, which immediately followed the goalless draw at Arsenal, Slot was asked if he expected to welcome anyone back for the tie.
“Hugo,” Slot quickly said, before adding: “That’s not 100 percent sure [he will return], but we will do everything to have him available on Monday.”
The Frenchman did not train in the lead-up to the Arsenal fixture, and Slot was left to name Cody Gakpo, Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz in attack, which mustered zero shots on target.
The fixture is not one where the Frenchman is needed to be rushed back, but Slot did caveat Federico Chiesa‘s chances to start with Ekitike’s possible return, saying the Italian could “feature.”
When will Wataru Endo return from injury?
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 27, 2025: Liverpool's substitute Wataru Endo before the FA Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Liverpool FC at Selhurst Park. Crystal Palace won 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Wataru Endo, meanwhile, has not been in any of the last seven matchday squads after an ankle injury against Leeds at the start of December, in which he played the final seven minutes.
The midfielder will still not be in contention to feature as he has yet to return to training, but that is imminent, says Slot.
“I think if I’m correct, he might start to train one of these days, but he’s been out for two months now,” Slot said of his No. 3. “That’s, of course, different than being out for one week.”
The Japan international has played only 223 minutes for the club this season, starting only twice in the League Cup.
Liverpool will, therefore, remain without Endo, Alexander Isak, Mo Salah, Giovanni Leoni, Jayden Danns, Stefan Bajcetic, and now Conor Bradley after a season-ending injury was confirmed.