Liverpool's hopes of kicking off 2026 with a victory were dashed in the most dramatic fashion at Craven Cottage on Sunday, as a stoppage-time equaliser from Fulham's Harrison Reed secured a 2-2 draw. The result extends the Reds' winless run into the new year, but a growing injury list is causing equal concern for manager Arne Slot.
Late Drama at Craven Cottage Extends Winless Run
The match followed a frustrating pattern for Liverpool. They fell behind to a first-half goal from Harry Wilson before Florian Wirtz managed to pull them level after the break. Both goals underwent lengthy VAR checks for marginal offside decisions before being awarded.
Just when it seemed Cody Gakpo had snatched a late winner, converting a Jeremie Frimpong cross deep into injury time, Harrison Reed unleashed a spectacular long-range strike in the 97th minute to earn Fulham a share of the points. The draw leaves Liverpool in fourth place, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Sunderland close behind.
Key Absentees and Their Expected Return Dates
The setback on the pitch was compounded by significant absences from the squad, with striker Hugo Ekitike the latest name added to the treatment table. Here is the latest on Liverpool's injured stars.
Hugo Ekitike's Hamstring Concern
French forward Hugo Ekitike was a notable omission from the matchday squad at Fulham, with the club citing a minor hamstring issue. The summer signing has been a revelation, netting 11 goals this season, but his increased minutes due to other injuries have taken a toll.
Manager Arne Slot explained the situation to Sky Sports before kick-off: "Alexander Isak has been out for weeks, meaning Hugo had to play more minutes than he has all season. This has led to him picking up a slight hamstring injury. For a player of his age, not yet used to the Premier League, it was a bit too much." Slot confirmed Ekitike would miss the Fulham game and is hopeful, but not certain, he will be available for the next Premier League fixture against Arsenal on January 8th.
Long-Term Absences and International Duty
The injury news elsewhere is mixed. Wataru Endo has now missed six games with an ankle injury sustained in early December and is not yet back in team training, though a return sometime in January is anticipated.
Alexander Isak faces a longer layoff after surgery on a fractured fibula suffered in December. The Swedish striker is expected to be out for at least two months, with a cautious return potentially pushing his comeback into March.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah is away on international duty, captaining Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations. Egypt have progressed to the knockout stages, with their last-16 match scheduled for January 5th. Should Egypt go all the way to the final on January 18th, Salah's earliest return for Liverpool would be for their match against Marseille on January 21st.
Youth Prospects on the Sidelines
The injury list is rounded out by two younger players. Spanish midfielder Stefan Bajcetic continues his long recovery from hamstring surgery at the end of last season, with no fixed return date. In a devastating blow, youngster Giovanni Leoni suffered an ACL injury on his debut last September and is ruled out for the season, targeting a return in pre-season.
With a tight race for the top four and crucial fixtures ahead, Arne Slot will be desperately hoping for positive news on Ekitike's scan and a swift conclusion to Egypt's AFCON campaign to welcome back his talismanic forward, Mohamed Salah.
