Arne Slot has cast serious doubt on Hugo Ekitike’s involvement for Liverpool’s trip to Arsenal on Thursday.
The striker missed the dramatic 2-2 draw with Fulham at the weekend after picking up a hamstring injury.
Liverpool head to the Emirates looking to put a dent in Arsenal’s title hopes after they moved four points clear at the top.
The Reds are 14 points adrift and will now be pinning all their hopes on securing a top-four finish and qualifying for the Champions League next season.
Hugo Ekitike Injury Latest
Liverpool are likely to be without Ektike after Slot revealed the striker hasn’t trained all week in a bid to make a swift recovery from his muscle injury.
He said: “Hugo has not trained with us until now, let’s see if he can today. I’ve said when we played Fulham, he wasn’t going to be out for long but as games come too fast.”
Ekitike may be named as a substitute, but Slot is unlikely to risk casting ay further damage, particularly given the long-term absence of Alexander Isak.
Liverpool face Barnsley at home in the FA Cup next Monday, which will provide Slot with the opportunity to further rest numerous first-team regulars.
It’s likely to mean another start in attack for Cody Gakpo, who thought his 94th-minute goal against Fulham sealed all three points.
Federico Chiesa will also be pushing for minutes, but Slot is light on options in attack without his two key summer signings.
Rio Nguhoma, Liverpool’s 17-year-old starlet, was an unused sub against the Cottagers but is also looking to earn game time.
Slot provides Marc Guehi update
Slot was also asked about the possibility of signing Crystal Palace’s defender Marc Guehi after Manchester City stepped up their pursuit.
Reports suggest Pep Guardiola’s side are readying an offer for the centre-back after Josko Gvardiol was ruled out for the rest of the season with a broken leg.
Liverpool were big admirers of Guehi in the summer, but left it too late and Palace had little time to find his replacement.
The England international will leave Palace in the near future, with his contract expiring at the end of the season.
When asked whether Liverpool could make a move for Guehi in the current window, Slot was non-committal in his answer but refused to rule out a potential move.
He said: “I never talk about transfers in public, let alone talking about a transfer from another club.
“My answer is always the same. We don’t talk about players that are not ours.
“I am really happy with the squad we have. All the decisions made last summer and the summer before are completely aligned with me, Richard (Hughes) and the ownership.
“This season has shown how talented this group is and if everyone is available how good a team we can be.”
