Slot Grapples with Limited Choices After Ekitike Sits Out Fulham Stalemate

Arne Slot is anxiously awaiting details on Hugo Ekitikes injury following the Liverpool forwards absence in Sundays pulsating 2-2 stalemate with Fulham.

An MRI scan detected a slight problem for the 23-year-old, prompting Slot to bench him entirely at Craven Cottage.

Lacking Ekitike, alongside striker Alexander Isak who is sidelined by injury and Mohamed Salah away on Africa Cup of Nations commitments for Egypt, Liverpool put in a fragmented performance across west London.

Harry Wilson gave Fulham the lead during the opening period, then Florian Wirtz struck post-interval with a contentious effort initially ruled out for offside, only for VAR to reverse the razor-thin call.

Cody Gakpos strike in the fourth minute of added time appeared to secure Liverpool a crucial win in their push for Champions League spots.

However, Fulhams Harrison Reed rifled in from 30 yards during the 97th minute, compelling Liverpool to accept another draw in a row.

The blunt Reds managed zero efforts on target before the break without Ekitike, their leading marksman this term with 11 goals, over twice the figure of runner-up Dominik Szoboszlai.

"He felt discomfort in training, leading to the MRI," Slot noted. "Results came mid-flight, and we hoped for mere DOMS, delayed-onset muscle soreness."

Slot mentioned his recent acquisitions are adapting to the rigours of a high-stakes English sides packed calendar.

"Hes facing 80 or 90 minutes per match for the first time in Premier League action, sans winter pause, and at Champions League intensity," Slot elaborated.

"No shock if fatigue creeps in. Regrettably, the scan showed a tad extra, so risks are off the table.

"Florian is navigating this routine anew too, and with slim squad depth, I want key players logging maximum minutes."

Liverpool remain unbeaten over nine outings across competitions before hosting Premier League frontrunners Arsenal on Thursday.

Yet Slot expressed irritation at surrendering the advantage in a campaign plagued by atypical collapses for the title holders.

"To outsiders or casual followers, it seems we claim victory," Slot remarked.

"Alas, Ive dealt with this for months. Their lone first-half chance turned into a score, a pattern weve seen repeatedly."