Liverpool have been dealt a significant setback ahead of their pivotal Premier League trip to face Arsenal, with in-form striker Hugo Ekitike confirmed absent for the Thursday night fixture.
Attack Depleted for Emirates Test
The Reds travel to face the league leaders at the Emirates Stadium with their forward options severely stretched. Alexander Isak is sidelined with a long-term issue, while Mohamed Salah remains on duty at the African Cup of Nations. The absence of Ekitike, who has scored 11 goals in his debut season since arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt, compounds manager Arne Slot's selection headache.
Cody Gakpo is set to lead the line in his place. Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Slot provided an update on the French striker's fitness. “He has not trained with us until now and let’s see if he can today,” said the Liverpool boss. “I’ve said… that he is not going to be out for long but because games come so fast he is in between maybe training with the team or it would take him one or two days extra.”
Midfield and Defensive Absences
Ekitike is not the only first-team player unavailable for the crucial encounter. Wataru Endo is struggling with an ankle injury and has been ruled out, while defender Giovani Leoni continues his long-term rehabilitation and is not expected back until the season's end.
With these absences in mind, Arne Slot is expected to field a side with Alisson in goal. The defence is likely to consist of Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Milos Kerkez. In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai are poised to start.
What's at Stake for Both Sides?
The attacking trio is set to feature Jeremie Frimpong pushed into an advanced role, with Florian Wirtz acting as the creative supply for central striker Cody Gakpo. The match carries high stakes for the Premier League table. A victory for Liverpool would see them remain in fourth place, but would cut the gap to third-placed Aston Villa to six points.
For Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, a win on home soil presents a chance to extend their advantage over reigning champions Manchester City to a formidable eight points, applying intense pressure in the title race. The predicted Liverpool starting XI is: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Frimpong, Wirtz, Gakpo.
