Sun Jan 04 15:30:00 UTC 2026: Summary:

Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike is out of the Fulham match due to a minor hamstring injury, exacerbating their striker shortage with Alexander Isak also injured and Mohamed Salah at AFCON. Florian Wirtz is expected to step up in attack. Milos Kerkez and Alexis Mac Allister return to the starting lineup, while Andy Robertson and Jeremie Frimpong are on the bench.

News Article:

Liverpool Striker Crisis Deepens as Ekitike Injury Forces Shuffle Against Fulham

LONDON – Liverpool manager Arne Slot faces a selection headache as his side takes on Fulham, with star striker Hugo Ekitike ruled out with a minor hamstring injury. The news comes as a further blow to the Reds, already missing Alexander Isak through injury and Mohamed Salah who is on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Ekitike, who has been a bright spot in Liverpool’s season with eight league goals, picked up the injury following increased playing time due to Isak’s absence. “Isak has been out for a few weeks now, and that has meant Hugo had to play more minutes,” Slot told Sky Sports. “That has led to the fact he picked up a slight hamstring injury. Hopefully [he] will be back for the Arsenal game but that is not sure yet.”

To fill the void, summer signing Florian Wirtz is expected to shoulder more responsibility in attack. Cody Gakpo also returns to the starting XI, offering another option up front.

There is some good news for Liverpool fans, with Milos Kerkez and Alexis Mac Allister returning to the starting lineup after missing the New Year’s Day draw against Leeds United. Andy Robertson and Jeremie Frimpong will start on the bench.

Liverpool will need to dig deep to overcome these challenges as they look to secure a crucial win against Fulham.

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