Liverpool have been dealt a significant blow ahead of their pivotal Premier League encounter with Arsenal, with manager Arne Slot confirming star forward Hugo Ekitike is a major doubt for the match.
Hamstring Issue Sidelines Top Scorer
The French striker, who is Liverpool's top scorer this season with 11 goals in all competitions, missed the side's 2-2 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday. Slot revealed before that game that Ekitike was absent from the squad due to a hamstring problem.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday ahead of Thursday night's trip to the Emirates Stadium, the Dutch coach provided a concerning update on the player's fitness. "Hugo has not trained with us until now," Slot stated, casting serious doubt over the attacker's availability for the high-stakes fixture.
Race Against Time for Emirates Return
Slot indicated that the club would assess Ekitike's condition in a late training session, but the compressed schedule appears to be working against a swift return. "Let's see if he can today," Slot added, referencing the final training session before the Arsenal game.
The manager reiterated his initial prognosis from the weekend but highlighted the challenge posed by the quick turnaround between matches. "I've said when we played Fulham he wasn't going to be out for long but as games come too fast," he explained, suggesting the injury timeline has been complicated by the relentless pace of the Premier League calendar.
Significant Blow for Title Chase
Ekitike's potential absence represents a substantial setback for Liverpool's plans at the Emirates. His goal threat and form this campaign have been vital, and his possible omission leaves a considerable void in the Reds' attacking line-up for one of their toughest tests of the season.
With the title race intensifying, every point is crucial, and being without a key performer for such a marquee match could have significant implications for the outcome. All eyes will now be on Liverpool's final training session to see if their leading marksman can prove his fitness in time.
