Hugo Ekitike OUT of Liverpool squad to face Fulham after new injury blow

Liverpool make the trip to Craven Cottage to face Fulham in the Premier League and Arne Slot has been forced to leave Hugo Ekitike out of his plans in west London

Hugo Ekitike has been left out of Liverpool's squad vs Fulham. The French striker has been ruled out of the trip to Craven Cottage with what the club describe as a minor fitness issue.

Arne Slot is without forward options in Alexander Isak, who remains out injured, and Mohamed Salah, who is competing in the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt. But the Dutch coach is now also without Ekitike in addition to those absences.

Ekitike has scored eight goals in eighteen Premier League matches but has gone goalless in his last two outings against Wolves and Leeds United. The former Frankfurt forward had bagged five goals in three outings before that, however.

Cody Gakpo looks set to lead the line in west London, with attacking support from Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz as Liverpool take to the field without a recognised striker.

Gakpo is one of three players to come into Slot's starting lineup. Milos Kerkez and Alexis Mac Allister return to the fold as Jeremie Frimpong and Andrew Robertson drop to the bench.

Defender Joe Gomez has returned to Liverpool's matchday squad following injury and was named among the substitutes. Gomez missed Liverpool's previous three matches due to muscular problems, last featuring against Brighton.

The Reds are hoping to get back to winning ways in the Premier League following their goalless draw against Leeds United on New Year’s Day. Even in Ekitike's absence Slot will want to extend his side's seven-match unbeaten run in the league.

Liverpool starting XI: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Gakpo, Wirtz

Substitutes: Mamardashvili, Woodman, Gomez, Chiesa, Robertson, Frimpong, Nyoni, Ramsay, Ngumoha.

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