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Beth Lindop
Arne Slot has stated that striker Hugo Ekitike is uncertain to play for Liverpool in their upcoming match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium this Thursday.
Ekitike, currently Liverpool’s leading scorer for the season, missed the recent 2-2 draw against Fulham due to a muscle injury. He has not yet trained prior to the Reds’ trip to London, with fellow striker Alexander Isak also missing from the squad due to a broken fibula, and Mohamed Salah away representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.
“He hasn’t trained with us so far,” Slot mentioned during his pre-match briefing. “We’ll see if he can practice with us today. A few days ago, after the Fulham match, I mentioned that he wouldn’t be out for too long, but the rapid succession of games makes things difficult. He’s somewhere between maybe training with us today or needing an extra couple of days.”
Liverpool’s draw at Craven Cottage has extended their unbeaten streak to nine matches across all competitions, placing them fourth in the league standings. Nonetheless, Slot faces scrutiny over his team’s performances, particularly after dropping points in their last two outings.
“While it’s nine games unbeaten, we have certainly drawn too many,” Slot remarked. “Where do we stand? I’ve mentioned repeatedly that we aren’t where we aspire to be, but I believe we have a talented squad. If everyone is fit and ready, we can achieve great things.”
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“This season, we’ve certainly showcased our ability with some impressive victories, but we’ve also experienced draws and losses that leave much to be desired. Consistency has been elusive, even though we’ve managed to secure wins against strong teams, indicating our potential is there, but consistency is lacking.”
In response to feedback regarding Liverpool’s style of play, Slot noted: “It’s tough to hear, and while I don’t completely disagree, I would phrase things differently and consider various factors. My goal is to win as many trophies as possible, and I’m known for fostering attacking football. I assure you, we are still striving for that.”