Striker missed previous game against Fulham and has not trained since
Hugo Ekitike is a doubt for Liverpool’s clash against league leaders Arsenal on Thursday, according to Arne Slot.
The striker was also missing for the 2-2 draw at Fulham on Monday, where Liverpool struggled in attack. Slot said after the game that Ekitike didn’t play because he “felt something” during training, adding that the striker is still trying to cope with the physical demands of playing so many games in the Premier League and at the top level.
“He hasn’t trained with us up until now,” Slot said in his pre-match news conference ahead of the tie at the Emirates.
“Let’s see if he can train with us today [Wednesday]. Two or three days ago, when we played against Fulham, I said he wouldn’t be out for long but it’s hard because the games come so fast. He is in-between maybe training with the team or it may be taking him one or two days extra.”
Liverpool are also without Mohamed Salah, playing at the Africa Cup of Nations, and Alexander Isak, who is injured. It has blunted their attack and will only compound the pressure as Liverpool struggle to win games. The Reds have now had two draws on the bounce after arresting their poor form toward the end of last year.
“It’s nine games unbeaten but we have definitely had two draws too many,” Slot said. “Where are we? I think I’ve said so many times that the answer to that question is we aren’t where we want to be, but I feel we have a very talented squad. If everyone’s available and ready, then I think we can do special things.”
