Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has admitted it is increasingly unlikely that striker Hugo Ekitike will be available for Thursday’s Premier League clash away to leaders Arsenal, with the forward yet to resume full training after suffering a hamstring problem.
The Frenchman, who has scored eight league goals this season, was absent from Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Fulham after Slot described the issue as a minor injury. However, with a rapid turnaround between fixtures, time is running out for Ekitike to prove his fitness.
“He hasn’t trained with us up until now,” Slot said. “Let’s see if he can train with us today. Two or three days ago, when we played Fulham, I said he wouldn’t be out for long, but it’s difficult because the games come so fast.
“He’s in between — maybe training with the team, or maybe he needs one or two extra days.”
Ekitike’s potential absence would represent another setback for Slot, who is already without Alexander Isak due to a fractured leg and Mohamed Salah, who is away on Africa Cup of Nations duty.
Should Ekitike fail to recover in time, Slot is likely to again deploy Cody Gakpo as his central attacking option. The Netherlands international has five Premier League goals and three assists this season and could lead the line as the holders attempt to disrupt Arsenal’s title charge.
Liverpool head into the match fourth in the table, 14 points behind the Gunners.
Despite their growing injury list, Slot’s side travel to north London on a nine-game unbeaten run in all competitions, although the Liverpool boss acknowledged that not all of those results have been convincing.
“It is nine games unbeaten, but we have definitely had two draws too many,” Slot added. “We aren’t where we want to be, but I feel we have a very talented squad.
“If everyone is available and ready, then I think we can do special things.”
