Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has provided the latest update on the fitness of Hugo Ekitike ahead of the Reds’ highly anticipated Premier League showdown against Arsenal on Thursday night, with the French forward still facing uncertainty over his availability.
Ekitike has been one of Liverpool’s standout performers this season, currently sitting as the club’s top scorer in the league with eight goals. His recent form has been particularly impressive, having found the net in each of his last five appearances across all competitions.
However, the 21-year-old was absent from Sunday’s 2–2 draw with Fulham after picking up a minor hamstring problem, raising concerns among supporters ahead of the crucial trip to the Emirates Stadium.
Following the match at Craven Cottage, Slot explained that Ekitike’s injury was partly down to the increased physical demands placed on him in recent weeks.
With Alexander Isak struggling with ongoing fitness issues, Ekitike has been required to shoulder more responsibility in Liverpool’s attack, leading to a heavier workload that ultimately resulted in the setback.
At the time, Slot sounded cautiously optimistic, suggesting that the issue was not serious and that there was a good chance the Frenchman could be fit in time to face Arsenal. However, his tone was more reserved when he addressed the media again during Wednesday morning’s pre-match press conference.
Providing an updated assessment, Slot revealed that Ekitike had not yet returned to full training with the squad. “He hasn’t trained with us so far,” the Dutch coach explained. “We’ll see if he can take part today. I said a couple of days ago that he wouldn’t be out for long, but with the games coming so quickly, it’s a close call. He’s kind of in between—either he joins the team in training, or he may need an extra one or two days.”
Ekitike’s potential absence would be another blow for Liverpool, who are already dealing with several key players being unavailable.
Against Fulham, Cody Gakpo was asked to lead the line in Ekitike’s place, and the Dutch forward delivered with a dramatic goal in stoppage time, briefly giving the Reds hope of securing all three points.
That optimism was short-lived, however, as Fulham responded in the 97th minute through a sensational long-range effort from Harrison Reed, denying Liverpool their first league win of 2026 and forcing them to settle for a draw.
As Liverpool prepare for the challenge of Arsenal, their injury and availability issues continue to mount. Alexander Isak remains sidelined, while Mohamed Salah is unavailable after progressing to the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals with Egypt.
Defensive concerns persist as well, with Giovanni Leoni ruled out for the rest of the season due to an ACL injury. Meanwhile, Wataru Endo is still recovering from an ankle problem that has kept him out since early December and is not yet ready to return.
With so many senior players missing, Slot faces a difficult selection dilemma, and Ekitike’s fitness could play a decisive role in Liverpool’s attacking approach against Arsenal.
As things stand, the Frenchman’s involvement remains uncertain, leaving fans anxiously awaiting a final decision closer to kick-off.
