Liverpool manager Arne Slot faces a striker shortage after Hugo Ekitike’s injury, with Alexander Isak also out and Mohamed Salah at AFCON
LIVERPOOL manager Arne Slot is facing a deepening attacking crisis after Hugo Ekitike was ruled out of Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Fulham.
The 23-year-old striker missed the match at Craven Cottage after an MRI scan revealed a minor issue following a training session discomfort.
His absence, combined with injuries to Alexander Isak and Mohamed Salah’s Africa Cup of Nations duty, left Liverpool looking toothless in attack.
The Reds failed to register a shot on target in a disjointed first half without their top scorer, who has 11 goals this season.
“He felt something during the training session so he went for an MRI scan,” Slot explained. “We got the result when we were flying so we were hoping it was just DOMS.”
Slot added that the scan showed “a little bit more” and that the club could not take a risk with the player’s fitness.
The manager also highlighted the physical demands on his new signings in their first full Premier League campaign without a winter break.
Harry Wilson put Fulham ahead before Florian Wirtz equalised with a controversial goal initially disallowed for offside but awarded after a VAR review.
Cody Gakpo thought he had won it for Liverpool with a 94th-minute strike, only for Harrison Reed to equalise with a spectacular 30-yard effort in the 97th.
The draw leaves Liverpool unbeaten in nine games ahead of a crucial trip to league leaders Arsenal on Thursday.
Slot expressed frustration at his team’s tendency to concede from limited chances, a theme he said has plagued their season.
“The only chance they got in the first half led to a goal,” he said. “That’s one thing we usually see with us.”
