LIVERPOOL:
Liverpool boss Arne Slot sounded uncertain he may have striker Hugo Ekitike for Thursday’s Premier League journey to leaders Arsenal, with the Frenchman but to return to coaching following a hamstring concern.
Ekitike, who has eight league objectives this season, missed Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Fulham resulting from what Slot described as a slight damage, and the Dutchman stated time was working out for the ahead to be prepared as Liverpool face a fast turnaround.
“He hasn’t skilled with us up till now,” Slot stated. “Let’s examine if he can practice with us right now. Two or three days in the past, after we performed in opposition to Fulham, I stated he would not be out for lengthy but it surely’s onerous as a result of the video games come so quick.
“He’s in‑between perhaps coaching with the crew or it perhaps taking him one or two days further.”
Ekitike’s potential absence can be one other blow for Slot, who’s already with out Alexander Isak resulting from a leg fracture and Mohamed Salah due to Africa Cup of Nations responsibility.
Within the absence of Ekitike, Slot could once more flip to Cody Gakpo as his most superior attacker.
The Netherlands ahead has scored 5 Premier League objectives and supplied three assists this season and could lead on the road as holders Liverpool try to derail Arsenal’s title cost.
Slot’s fourth-placed crew path Arsenal by 14 factors.
Regardless of their damage issues, Liverpool head to north London on a 9‑recreation unbeaten run in all competitions, although Slot lamented that not all these video games have been wins.
“It’s 9 video games unbeaten however we now have positively had two attracts too many,” Slot stated. “The place are we? I believe I’ve stated so many instances that the reply to that query is we aren’t the place we need to be, however I really feel we now have a really gifted squad.
“If everybody’s accessible and prepared, then I believe we are able to do particular issues.”
