Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has admitted there is uncertainty over Hugo Ekitike’s availability for Thursday’s Premier League clash against Arsenal, Afrosport reports.
The French forward has yet to return to training after sustaining a muscle problem that ruled him out of Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Fulham. Slot previously described the issue as minor, but the quick turnaround between fixtures has limited Ekitike’s recovery time.
Ekitike has been a key figure for Liverpool this season, scoring eight goals in his debut Premier League campaign. His absence at Craven Cottage was felt as the Reds were forced to adjust their attacking setup.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Slot said the final decision would depend on how the player responds in training.
“He has not trained with us until now and let’s see if he can today [Wednesday],” he stated.
“I’ve said, I think, two or three days ago when we played Fulham that he is not going to be out for long but because games come so fast he is in between maybe training with the team or it would take him one or two days extra.”
Liverpool are already dealing with multiple absentees. Alexander Isak remains sidelined with a leg fracture, while Mohamed Salah is away on international duty with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.
If Ekitike is unable to feature, Slot may again turn to Cody Gakpo to lead the line, as he did against Fulham in a more compact 4-5-1 system.
Liverpool head into the north London fixture in fourth place, 14 points behind leaders Arsenal. The Reds won the reverse meeting at Anfield in August, sealed by a stunning free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai.
Despite their injury concerns, the defending champions travel to the Emirates Stadium on a nine-match unbeaten run in all competitions. A positive result against Arsenal would provide a timely lift as Liverpool continue their push for a top-four finish.
