Liverpool are waiting on one decision as they prepare for FA Cup action at Anfield, with a fresh injury concern shaping their plans. It concerns Hugo Ekitike. The striker has missed the last two matches, and his absence has been felt. Now, with Barnsley coming to town, Liverpool are pushing to get him back. Arne Slot has made it clear the club are trying. There are no guarantees. There is also no intention to rush blindly. The balance sits somewhere in between.
EKITIKE CLOSE, BUT NOT CLEARED
Ekitike’s issue is a hamstring problem picked up after the Arsenal draw. Initial hopes suggested fatigue. Scans showed more than that. Enough to keep him out. Slot confirmed Liverpool are “doing everything” to have the French forward available on Monday. He stopped short of promising anything. That hesitation matters. It suggests the decision will go late.
Ekitike did not train ahead of the Arsenal match. That forced Liverpool into a reshuffle. Cody Gakpo, Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz started up front. The output was limited. No shots on target. Little threat. The absence was obvious.
The FA Cup tie changes the context. Barnsley are League One opposition. Liverpool can afford caution. They do not need to gamble. Still, Slot would prefer the option. Even from the bench. Slot hinted as much when discussing Federico Chiesa. The Italian could feature. That likely depends on Ekitike’s status.
🟥Arne Slot on whether Hugo Ekitike will be fit to play Barnsley…
🗣️"With Hugo, we're not 100% sure but we will do everything we can to have him available on Monday." pic.twitter.com/hbSsTaYMfj
— AnfieldIndex (@AnfieldIndex) January 11, 2026
WHY LIVERPOOL WANT HIM BACK
Ekitike offers something Liverpool lack without him. He runs channels. He stretches defences and occupies centre-backs. That matters even against lower-league sides. Especially against organised ones. Barnsley will defend deep. They will wait. Breaking that down requires movement, not just possession.
Liverpool’s recent attack has looked static at times. The Arsenal match exposed that. The ball moved. The threat did not. Slot knows that. Ekitike changes the picture quickly. Still, nothing will be forced. Hamstrings linger. Liverpool have learned that lesson before.
ENDO STILL NOT READY
While Ekitike edges closer, Wataru Endo remains behind schedule. The midfielder has not featured since early December. An ankle injury has kept him sidelined. Slot confirmed Endo is close to returning to training. Not match action. Just training. That difference matters.
“He’s been out for two months,” Slot said. “That’s not the same as one week.”
Endo has played limited minutes this season. Just two starts. Mostly in the League Cup. Even so, his absence has reduced options in midfield rotation. Liverpool have had to manage minutes carefully. Monday comes too soon for him. A return later in January feels more realistic.
SLOT PROMISES A STRONG SIDE
Despite the opposition, Slot has guaranteed a strong lineup. He is not treating this as a development night. Senior players will feature. That decision reflects recent form. Liverpool need rhythm. They need sharper performances. Cup matches offer a chance to reset, but only if taken seriously.
Several absences remain. Mohamed Salah is still away. Alexander Isak is injured. Conor Bradley’s season is over. Others remain unavailable. Depth is being tested. Selection choices matter more than usual.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR MONDAY
Liverpool will wait on Ekitike. They will test him. They will decide late. If he plays, even briefly, it adds threat. If he does not, Liverpool must find solutions again. Barnsley will sense opportunity either way. The goal is progress. Cleanly. Without damage.
AUTHOR’S INSIGHT
This feels like a cautious push rather than a risk. Liverpool want Ekitike back, but they know the season is longer than one cup tie. If he plays, it will be because the medical staff say yes, not because the fixture demands it. That restraint may matter more in the weeks ahead than on Monday night.
As featured on Walkon.com