Ekitike injury update pre-Arsenal clash | OneFootball

Hugo Ekitike is currently an injury doubt with a hamstring problem, but Liverpool manager Arne Slot is hopeful he can return in time to face Arsenal.

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Liverpool fans were dealt bad news ahead of Sunday’s game away to Fulham, as Hugo Ekitike missed out on the matchday squad.

Arne Slot’s side were already without Alexander Isak, so the loss of Ekitike meant having to play Cody Gakpo at centre-forward. More than that, the loss of Ekitike was simply a blow in and of itself, with the striker having 11 goals and two assists in a strong start to the season.

The question now is whether Ekitike will make it back in time for Liverpool’s game against Arsenal on Thursday, with Slot confirming the player has a hamstring issue.

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“Alexander Isak has been out for a few weeks now. That has meant that Hugo had to play more minutes than he did throughout the whole season,” Slot pointed out.

“That has led to the fact that he picked up a slight hamstring injury, because we had to play him more and more and more minutes.

“For a player that’s his age and is not used to the Premier League completely, that has been a bit too much. So, that’s why he will be out for today and hopefully be back for the Arsenal game, but that’s definitely not sure yet.”

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It’s evidently not a serious hamstring injury if Ekitike is still in contention for Thursday’s game, but it’s up to Liverpool whether they decide to take a risk on the muscle problem for their visit to north London.

As mentioned, Isak will be out, as will Giovanni Leoni (ACL injury) and Wataru Endo (foot/ankle injury).

Mohamed Salah’s inclusion depends on Egypt’s result against Benin later today. Though even if Egypt lose and are eliminated from AFCON, it would still be a tight turnaround for Salah to get back in time for Thursday’s Arsenal game.