Slot explains Ekitike absence in Liverpool’s draw with Fulham | OneFootball

Arne Slot has provided clarity on why Hugo Ekitike was not involved in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Fulham.

The striker travelled with the squad but was left out, as Harrison Reed scored a stunning late equaliser after Cody Gakpo thought he had won the game for the Reds.

Asked about Ekitike’s absence, Slot said: “He felt something during the training session so he went for an MRI scan.

“We got the result when we were flying. We were hoping it was just a bit of DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness), which he also had. Why? Because Alex (Isak) has been out and since Alex has been out, he (Ekitike) doesn’t play 60 minutes or 70 minutes and sometimes gets a bit of rest.

“He has to play 80 or 90 minutes every single game for the first time in his life at Premier League level, the first time in his life without a winter break, first time in his life at Champions League level.

“It’s not a surprise he then gets a bit tired and DOMS. We were hoping it would only have been DOMS and then we could have maybe used him as a sub but unfortunately we saw a little bit more and then you cannot take a risk.

“Florian had the same last week when we put him in an MRI scan and it was only DOMS so he didn’t have anything.

“But he’s also, for the first time, experienced this program, and if I don’t have that many players I would like the ones that I do have available and playing as many minutes as possible, but realistically.

“That’s what I tried to do today.”