Why Hugo Ekitike was benched for Liverpool clash with Fulham | OneFootball

Hugo Ekitike has been relegated to the bench for Saturday’s Premier League match between Liverpool and Fulham. 

The France international started both of the Reds’ last two matches, against Manchester City in the FA Cup and Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League.

But Arne Slot has opted to play Cody Gakpo up front instead, with Ekitike being held in reserve.

Mo Salah also returned to the lineup after not playing against PSG, while Rio Ngumoha was handed his second league start of the season.

Alexander Isak, who made his return from a long-term leg injury in midweek, has been named among the substitutes, as has Alexis Mac Allister.

Why Ekitike was benched for Liverpool clash with Fulham

Ekitike’s benching is somewhat surprising given he has been Liverpool’s biggest attacking threat this term, registering 17 goals and six assists in all competitions.

But Slot has opted to give the striker a rest ahead of the second leg against PSG next week and a number of important fixtures beyond that.

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“The changes make sense after the week we’ve had, it’s been a demanding week with only a two-day turnaround, again,” the Liverpool boss told Sky Sports ahead of kickoff.

“With everything coming up I tried to use the session yesterday to see who was well enough recovered to play. Some just have to play again as I’m out of options in that position.”

It is also possible that Slot is trying to manage the 23-year-old’s minutes carefully after he suffered a minor injury in March. He sustained a dead leg against Brighton, which forced him off after just eight minutes.

Liverpool starting Xi vs Fulham: Mamardashvili, Frimpong, Robertson, Van Dijk, Konate, Szoboszlai, Jones, Ngumoha, Wirtz, Salah, Gakpo

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