Arne Slot issues Hugo Ekitike injury update as Liverpool star misses Fulham game

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Liverpool boss Arne Slot has addressed Hugo Ekitike’s absence against Fulham with the Frenchman picking up a hamstring injury ruling him out of the Premier League fixture

Hugo Ekitike is not in the squad vs Fulham(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has provided an update on the absence of striker Hugo Ekitike, addressing growing speculation over his availability.

The club confirmed that Ekitike missed its Premier League trip to Fulham due to a “ minor fitness issue.” The French striker, who has scored five goals in his last five appearances, was notable absence at Craven Cottage, particularly with Alexander Isak sidelined through injury.

Cody Gakpo stepped in to replace Ekitike in the starting lineup and is set to be deployed as a central striker for the fixture. Liverpool will take to the field without a recognised striker, relying on attacking support from Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz to lead the offense.

Gakpo starts his first game in nearly a month. The Netherlands international, sidelined in recent weeks, made his return earlier this week in the 0-0 draw with Leeds United.

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the game, Slot said: " Alexander Isak has been out for a few weeks now that has meant that Hugo had to play more minutes than he did throughout the whole season.

"That has led to the fact that he picked up a slight hamstring injury because we had to play him for more minutes, and that for a player at his age and is not used to the Premier League completely has been a bit too much so that is why he will be out today.

"Hopefully he will be back for the Arsenal game but that is not sure yet."

Arne Slot says Ekitike picked up a hamstring injury, ruling him out against Fulham

Asked if he had options to freshen the team, Slot added: "We have options, as you can see today. I think we have a very good team that is playing for Liverpool today.

"Maybe not all of them are in their ideal or perfect position, but they are all very good football players.

"There is also the opportunity to impact the game with players off the bench. Jeremie Frimpong, for example, a player that missed almost the whole season, and has played a few games in a row now in the last one or two weeks.

"With the January schedule and not so many players available, I have to take care of them as well. Conor Bradley, we can say the same about him. He's had an injury; I think December 5 is the last time he played 90 minutes. This is what we all to have to take into account when I have to make a line-up."