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The latest Liverpool news ahead of the New Year's Day game against Leeds at Anfield, as the Reds receive a boost regarding Hugo Ekitike's fitness
Liverpool will aim to extend its seven game unbeaten run on New Year's Day as Leeds United visits Anfield in the Premier League.
After a torrid sequence of results earlier in the season – which saw the Reds lose nine times across 12 games in all competitions – Arne Slot's men have won five and drawn two of the last seven. Liverpool's performance against Wolves last week was far from convincing, and supporters will be keen to see a more complete showing from the team in a couple of days' time.
As for Leeds, Daniel Farke's men are no longer the soft touch that they were a few weeks ago. The Whites are unbeaten in five games in all competitions, winning two of those games and drawing the other three. Liverpool trained on Tuesday ahead of Thursday's game, and here are a few things we spotted during the session...
READ MORE: Leeds star ruled out of Liverpool game despite positive injury update from Daniel FarkeREAD MORE: Liverpool urged to swoop for 'sensational' Premier League defender in JanuaryEkitike fine
Liverpool can ill afford another injury in the striker position, so it was a concern to see Hugo Ekitike walking gingerly during the closing stages of the win over Wolves before he was replaced by Cody Gakpo.
Alexander Isak's leg break means Ekitike is the only genuine striker available to Arne Slot, and he has been fantastic in recent games, registering five goals and an assist in his last five appearances.
Ekitike was put through his paces in training to suggest he should be fine to play against Leeds.
Szoboszlai boost
Dominik Szoboszlai missed the game against Wolves through suspension after collecting his fifth yellow card of the season against Tottenham before Christmas.
The Hungarian displayed his leadership credentials after the game – despite not playing – as he waited by the dugout to embrace his teammates following the final whistle.
Thankfully for the Reds, he will be back on the right side of the white line for the visit of Leeds, and fans will hope his presence can inspire an improved display from the team after a disappointing second half against Wolves.
No sign of Endo or Gomez
Wataru Endo and Joe Gomez have been doing gym work while they've been injured, but they seem unlikely to be available to face Leeds after neither player was spotted taking part in the session on Tuesday.
Endo is out with an ankle problem, while Gomez sustained a muscle problem during Liverpool's Premier League win over Brighton earlier this month.
Liverpool's other certain absentees for the game against Leeds are Isak, Giovanni Leoni and Mohamed Salah – Isak and Leoni are long-term absentees due to injury, while Salah is currently at the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt.
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