Arne Slot has admitted there is still uncertainty around the availability of Hugo Ekitike ahead of the showdown with Arsenal.
The forward was absent during the thrilling 2-2 draw with Fulham, and as the fixtures keep coming thick and fast, the Reds boss is weighing his options carefully.
Ekitike missed that game due to DOMS — delayed onset muscle soreness — and, as the squad turned their attention to the trip to Emirates Stadium.
Slot explained the situation with measured caution, making it clear Liverpool won’t rush the attacker back onto the pitch just to gamble on one match.
On the eve of the clash, Slot revealed the dilemma that comes when matches continue to arrive at full speed.
“He has not trained with us until now and let’s see if he can today [Wednesday],” Slot said.
“I’ve said, I think, two or three days ago when we played Fulham that he is not going to be out for long but because games come so fast he is in between maybe training with the team or it would take him one or two days extra.”
So, Liverpool now head toward kickoff waiting on one more assessment. If Ekitike responds well in training, he may rejoin the squad. But if the slightest risk remains, the gaffer looks ready to hold him back rather than risk a longer layoff.
And with the Gunners ready to press aggressively from the first whistle, Liverpool will hope the timing works in their favor because having Ekitike back would give them another attacking spark right when the season is starting to heat up.
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