Liverpool face a significant selection headache ahead of their pivotal Premier League trip to face leaders Arsenal on Thursday night, with star striker Hugo Ekitike a major injury doubt.
Ekitike's Fitness Race Against Time
The 23-year-old French forward, who has scored 11 goals since his summer signing, has not trained with the squad this week due to a hamstring problem. Ekitike missed Sunday's 2-2 draw with Fulham after feeling discomfort following a training session on Saturday.
Manager Arne Slot confirmed the ongoing concern during his Wednesday morning press conference. "Hugo has not trained with us up to now," Slot stated. "We will see if he can do so today. I already said when we played against Fulham that he was not going to be out for long, but as the matches come very quickly..."
Scan Results and Late Decision
The club received the results of an MRI scan while travelling to Craven Cottage for the Fulham match. Although Ekitike made the journey, a late decision was taken not to risk him due to what Slot described as "late-onset muscle discomfort."
His absence would be a substantial blow for the Reds. Ekitike has been in prolific form, netting five times in his last five league appearances, making him Liverpool's most potent attacking threat in recent weeks.
Slot Praises 'Complete Package' Arsenal
Slot was effusive in his praise for the league leaders, who currently hold a 14-point advantage over his Liverpool side. "Perhaps their main virtue is that they have many strengths or that they barely have any weakness," he said.
"They barely concede goals. They can score into an empty net, they can score from set-pieces, they have very good ideas in creation, they can play long balls, so they are the complete package. That's why, in my opinion, they deserve to be at the top this season."
Defensive Reinforcements and Squad Management
Addressing Liverpool's own defensive options, Slot welcomed the return of Joe Gomez but acknowledged the strain of a thin squad. "Joe is back, so that's already a big help," he said. "No coach would tell you they are completely happy to have only two centre-backs available."
He pointed to the long-term vision of the club, referencing summer signing Giovanni Leoni, who is ruled out for the season with a ligament injury. "We have to do smart things and this club has always tried to do smart things to be on the level of the teams we want to compete with," Slot explained. "In an ideal world you would have more than two centre-backs available, but sometimes things turn out as they can turn out now and you have to accept that situation."
The potential absence of Ekitike for such a critical fixture hands a further advantage to Mikel Arteta's in-form Arsenal. Liverpool fans will anxiously await further updates on their striker's fitness ahead of the Thursday night showdown at the Emirates Stadium.
