Manager Updates on Striker’s Fitness and Addresses Transfer Approach Amid Top-Four Fight
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has cast significant doubt over the availability of top scorer Hugo Ekitike for Thursday’s crucial Premier League trip to face leaders Arsenal.
The striker, who has 11 goals this season, missed Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Fulham with a hamstring issue and has yet to return to full training. “He has not trained with us until now,” Slot revealed on Wednesday. “Let’s see if he can today… he’s in between training with the team or it could take him one or two days extra.”
Ekitike’s potential absence would be a major blow for a Liverpool side already 14 points adrift of Arsenal. Slot, however, framed the match as a vital benchmark for his team’s progress. “It is an important game for us to see where we are in a one-off game, against a very, very good Arsenal,” he said.
The Dutchman also addressed the club’s January transfer plans amid ongoing speculation linking Liverpool with a move for a center-back, such as Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi. Slot acknowledged the current defensive shortage but pointed to the club’s long-term strategy.
“I think there’s no manager in the world that would tell you, ‘I’m completely happy that I only have two centre-backs available’,” he admitted. “But we have to do smart things. We’ve signed an unbelievable talented player with Giovanni Leoni who will be back next season.”
With the title race seemingly out of reach, Slot emphasized the remaining targets across multiple competitions. “We still have a lot to play for in the Premier League, and we are also in the FA Cup and Champions League,” he said, underscoring his focus on securing a top-four finish and progressing in knockout tournaments.
As the club navigates injuries and a pivotal period in the season, Slot’s immediate concern will be whether his leading marksman can recover in time to face the league’s best defense at the Emirates.
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