Liverpool have been dealt a significant blow ahead of their Premier League fixture against Fulham, with key forward Hugo Ekitike ruled out due to injury.
Injury Blow for Reds Ahead of Craven Cottage Trip
The Reds travelled to Craven Cottage on Sunday aiming for their fourth win in five top-flight matches. However, their plans were disrupted by the absence of summer signing Hugo Ekitike. The young striker has sustained a minor hamstring injury, sidelining him for the crucial league encounter.
Manager Arne Slot confirmed the news in his pre-match interview with Sky Sports, explaining the context behind the setback. '[Alexander] Isak has been out for several weeks, which has forced Ekitike to play more minutes than last season,' Slot stated.
Slot Points to Premier League Rigours
The Dutch coach directly linked the injury to the physical demands of English football. 'That has led to a small hamstring injury, and for a player of his age, who isn't fully accustomed to the Premier League, it has been too much,' he added.
Ekitike, who joined from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer, has made a promising start to his Liverpool career. He has scored eight goals in 18 Premier League appearances for the club. His absence required a tactical adjustment, with Cody Gakpo deputising in the central attacking role against Fulham.
Positive News on the Horizon for Arsenal Clash
Despite the disappointment, Slot delivered an encouraging update regarding the player's recovery timeline. The manager is optimistic that Ekitike will be available for Liverpool's next major challenge.
'That is why he is out today, and I hope he will be back for the match against Arsenal,' Slot confirmed. This suggests the 21-year-old could return for Thursday's pivotal away fixture against league leaders Arsenal, offering a boost to Liverpool's attacking options for a key moment in the season.
