Hugo Ekitike's curious social media post raises eyebrows amid injury wait

Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike has uploaded a cryptic social media post online, with the Frenchman hoping to be fit enough to take on Arsenal in the Premier League this week

Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike, who missed the 2-2 draw with Fulham last weekend with a minor injury, has raised eyebrows with a curious post on social media.

Arne Slot is hopeful that the 23-year-old Frenchman will be able to take part in the visit to Arsenal on Thursday, though a scan ahead of the game at Craven Cottage ruled him out of the first trip to London this week.

On Monday, Ekitike posted a picture of an explosion on Instagram, which caused Liverpool fans to ponder what it might mean. Reds supporters filled the comments to question if there was a hidden message.

"He traveled because he felt something during the training session," Slot said during his post-match press conference following the game at Fulham.

"He felt something during the MRI scan, and we got the results when we were flying. We were hoping it was a bit of DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness), which he also had.

"Why? Because Alex (Isak) has been out. Since Alex has been out, he doesn’t play 60 or 70 minutes and sometimes gets a bit of rest.

"He has to play 80 or 90 minutes every single game for the first time in his life without a winter break and for the first time, at Champions League level. It’s not a big surprise he gets a bit of DOMS.

"We were hoping it would be DOMS, and we could have used him as a sub. But, unfortunately, we saw a bit more and couldn’t take a risk.

"Florian [Wirtz] had the same last week when we put him in an MRI scan, and it was only DOMS. He didn't have anything, but he is also for the first time experiencing this program.

"If I don't have that many players, I would like the ones I do have available and play them as many minutes as I can realistically. That's what I tried to do today."

German playmaker Wirtz stepped up in the absence of Ekitike, Isak and Mohamed Salah, who is at AFCON. He netted another Premier League goal and looked a rare bright spark for the Reds.

He might need to do that again during the upcoming clash at the Emirates Stadium. Dutch winger Cody Gakpo was deployed as a number nine last time out in Ekitike's absence, and he netted what looked to be the winner before Harrison Reed's stunning strike even later on in stoppage time.

Liverpool.com says: Ekitike has been a really exciting addition so far, but he has been overplayed in recent weeks, hence why he has picked up an injury. It would be a big boost for him to return at Arsenal.