Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Sun 4 January 2026 17:23, UK

Arne Slot has explained Hugo Ekitike’s absence from the Liverpool squad that drew 2-2 against Fulham on Sunday.

Ekitike has been in brilliant form for Liverpool, despite the continued lack of consistency that Slot‘s side are struggling against.

The Reds looked to be finally back to winning ways when they won four consecutive games, but a second draw with Leeds United on Thursday, followed by Sunday’s draw at Craven Cottage, has restored the uncertainty.

Liverpool are already without Alexander Isak, after the striker suffered a fractured leg in the win over Tottenham.

And Mohamed Salah is with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, further weakening Slot’s options in attack.

Arne Slot hopes Hugo Ekitike will be back to face Arsenal

In Ekitike‘s absence against Fulham, Slot opted to start Cody Gakpo through the middle with a packed midfield behind him.

The Dutchman often started with three wingers in the attacking areas last season, with Luis Diaz, Salah and Gakpo or the late Diogo Jota able to rotate across the front-line.

Slot’s selection against Fulham was more targeted to the midfield; however, with Dominik Szoboszlai selected on the right and Florian Wirtz on the left.

Behind Gakpo, Alexis Mac Allister can drop in with Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch, or support the attack.

But Liverpool fans will be more concerned with how the team is going to look for Thursday’s trip to Arsenal.

Speaking to Sky Sports following the release of the starting line-up, Slot said: “Isak has been out for a few weeks now and that’s meant Ekitike had to play more minutes than the previous part of the season.

“That’s led to him picking up a slight hamstring injury, and for a player of his age, not completely used to the Premier League, that’s been a bit too much.

“That’s why he will be out for today – and hopefully back for the Arsenal game.”

Slot continues to ignore Federico Chiesa

Federico Chiesa, in many Liverpool fans’ eyes, has symbolised a lot of the frustrations with Slot this season.

The Italy international started the season in brilliant form, and continued to make contributions whenever he made his way onto the pitch.

Yet Chiesa has continuously been ignored by Slot – only enjoying his first Premier League start of the season against Wolves in December.

But he was straight back to the bench after, and on Sunday, even with Ekitike out, Slot has continued to ignore the 28-year-old.