Arne Slot Sweats Over Hugo Ekitike Fitness
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that forward Hugo Ekitike faces a race against time to be fit for their crucial English Premier League (EPL) clash against leaders Arsenal.
The 23-year-old forward missed the 2-2 draw with Fulham last weekend due to a minor hamstring issue and has yet to return to full first-team training.
“He has not trained with us until now,” Slot revealed during his pre-match press conference. “I have said… he won’t be out for long, but the games come fast… It might take him one or two days extra.”
The injury leaves the 47-year-old Dutch head coach with a significant selection headache. With Mohamed Salah representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations and Alexander Isak sidelined, the Reds’ attacking depth is being severely tested.
Currently trailing the “complete package” of the Gunners by 14 points on the EPL table – the Reds have 34 points – Slot admitted that his side must find consistency to spark a revival.
Should Ekitike fail his late fitness test, the goal-scoring burden will fall on Cody Gakpo and Florian Wirtz to breach the EPL’s most miserly defence tonight, Thursday 8 January.
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