### Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike Faces Doubtful Return Ahead of Arsenal Clash Liverpool's leading goalscorer, Hugo Ekitike, is currently a doubt for the upcoming Premier League match against Arsenal due to a hamstring injury. Ekitike missed Liverpool's recent 2-2 draw against Fulham, raising concerns about his fitness for the crucial match against the league leaders. Manager Arne Slot has expressed optimism about the team's season but acknowledged the tight timeline for Ekitike's recovery, as he has yet to return to training. The situation is compounded by the team's need for rotation due to injuries to other key players, particularly Alexander Isak, which has limited their options in recent matches [https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/breaking-ekitike-liverpool-injury-latest-36509873][https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/arne-slot-gives-hugo-ekitike-33181021][https://www.thisisanfield.com/2026/01/hugo-ekitike-injury-update-arsenal-vs-liverpool]. ### Breakdown of Ekitike's Injury Situation 1. **Injury Details**: - Ekitike has been sidelined due to a minor hamstring issue, which Slot attributed to the player's heavy workload this season [https://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/could_be_arne_slot_hints_at_whether_ekitike_will_be_fit_for_liverpools_trip_to_arsenal/s1_15959_43292178]. - He was absent from the squad against Fulham, marking only the third game he has missed this season [https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/hugo-ekitike-injury-latest-liverpool-36511400]. 2. **Manager's Comments**: - Arne Slot has indicated that the quick turnaround between matches may hinder Ekitike's chances of recovery in time for the Arsenal game, stating, "Could be. Let's wait and see how he does" [https://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/could_be_arne_slot_hints_at_whether_ekitike_will_be_fit_for_liverpools_trip_to_arsenal/s1_15959_43292178]. - Slot emphasized the need to manage Ekitike's fitness carefully to avoid overloading him [https://thefootballfaithful.com/slot-explains-ekitike-absence-as-liverpool-drop-points-at-fulham]. 3. **Upcoming Match Context**: - Liverpool is set to face Arsenal, who currently lead the Premier League, making Ekitike's potential absence particularly impactful for the team's attacking options [https://english.aawsat.com/sports/5227239-liverpool’s-ekitike-doubt-arsenal-clash]. ### Summary of Findings - **Ekitike's Status**: Hugo Ekitike is doubtful for the upcoming match against Arsenal due to a hamstring injury, having missed the previous game against Fulham. - **Managerial Insight**: Arne Slot has expressed cautious optimism but acknowledges the tight timeline for recovery, which may affect Ekitike's availability. - **Team Implications**: The absence of Ekitike could significantly impact Liverpool's performance against the league leaders, especially given the team's current injury challenges. In conclusion, **Hugo Ekitike's fitness remains uncertain as Liverpool prepares for a critical match against Arsenal**, with the team's management closely monitoring his recovery process. The situation highlights the challenges faced by the squad in maintaining performance levels amid injury concerns [https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/hugo-ekitike-injury-latest-liverpool-36511400][https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/news/arsenal-liverpool-injury-news-ekitike-33165438].