Liverpool injury update: Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak, Wataru Endo and Florian Wirtz latest news and return dates ahead of Arsenal clash…

Liverpool Injury Update: Latest on Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak, Wataru Endo, and Florian Wirtz’s Return Dates Ahead of Arsenal Clash

Arne Slot Faces Potential Striker Dilemma as Reds Gear Up for Challenging Arsenal Encounter.

Liverpool is grappling with a striker shortage as they approach their significant Premier League match against Arsenal this week.

Arne Slot’s squad will visit the Emirates Stadium on Thursday night for a key matchup against the league leaders, following a disappointing start to 2026.

The team’s lackluster draw against Leeds at Anfield on New Year’s Day was succeeded by a thrilling 2-2 tie at Fulham, where Cody Gakpo’s last-minute goal was equalized by a remarkable strike from Harrison Reed.

These consecutive draws marked a frustrating conclusion to a revitalizing streak of four consecutive victories across all competitions and five wins in their last seven matches, which had propelled them back into the top four after a rocky beginning to their title defense that intensified the pressure on Slot.

Liverpool now faces a significant challenge away at Arsenal, with upcoming Premier League fixtures against Burnley, Bournemouth, and Newcastle, along with Champions League clashes against Marseille and Qarabag, and the FA Cup third-round visit from Barnsley to Merseyside.

Here is the latest injury news for Liverpool and return dates ahead of the crucial match against Arsenal, with Mohamed Salah still participating in the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt, while Joe Gomez has returned to the squad after recovering from his hamstring injury.

Hugo Ekitike

With Alexander Isak sidelined, Liverpool has been depending on fellow summer recruit Hugo Ekitike recently, and he was anticipated to spearhead their attack once again against Fulham on Sunday.

However, the French forward was unexpectedly left out of the matchday squad at Craven Cottage, with Slot disclosing that the increased workload had resulted in a minor hamstring injury, which he hopes will not prevent him from playing against Arsenal.

“Alexander Isak has been sidelined for several weeks, which has resulted in Hugo needing to play significantly more minutes than he did for the entire season,” Slot informed Sky Sports prior to the match against Fulham.

“This increased playing time has unfortunately led to him sustaining a minor hamstring injury, as we had to rely on him more and more. For a player of his age, who is still acclimating to the Premier League, this has proven to be a bit excessive.

“Consequently, he will miss today’s game, but we are hopeful he can return for the match against Arsenal, although that is not guaranteed yet.”

Slot was also questioned about Ekitike following the match, as well as Florian Wirtz, who has dealt with a hamstring issue but managed to start and score, playing 76 minutes against Fulham.

“Yes, [Hugo] traveled because he felt discomfort during training, prompting him to undergo an MRI scan, and we received the results while we were in transit,” Slot explained.

“We were optimistic it was merely a case of DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness), which he has experienced. The reason for this is that with Alex [Isak] unavailable, [Hugo] has been playing extended minutes without much rest.

“Florian faced a similar situation last week when we conducted an MRI scan, which revealed only DOMS, so he was in the clear.

“However, he is also navigating this program for the first time, and with a limited number of players available, I prefer to utilize those I have and ensure they can play as many minutes as possible, but within reason. That was my intention today.”

Expected return date: Thursday, January 8, against Arsenal (A)

Alexander Isak

Liverpool was already missing their British record signing Isak, who sustained an injury while scoring the opening goal in the dramatic 2-1 victory over Tottenham before Christmas, following a challenge from Micky van de Ven that Slot deemed “reckless.”

The Swedish international received medical attention before being assisted off the field, and it was later revealed that he had incurred an ankle injury that included a fractured fibula, necessitating surgery.

An exact timeline for Isak’s recovery has not been established, but he is anticipated to be out for several months.

“It’s going to be a lengthy injury, lasting a couple of months,” Slot remarked, adding that he expects Isak to return to play this season. “It’s a significant disappointment for him and consequently for us.”

Expected return date: March

Wataru Endo

The adaptable midfielder Wataru Endo has not featured for Liverpool since his initial Premier League appearance two months ago, where he came on as a late substitute during the 3-3 draw against Leeds on December 6.

Unfortunately, his return was brief, as he sustained an ankle injury that has kept him sidelined since then.

“I anticipate Joe [Gomez] will train with us [on Friday], but Wataru is not ready yet,” Slot mentioned in his recent update regarding the Japan captain last week.

Expected return date: Late January

Giovanni Leoni

Liverpool will be without Giovanni Leoni for the remainder of the season and likely the beginning of the next, following a torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered during his debut in English football in the Carabao Cup victory over Southampton in September.

The young Italian defender, who was signed from Parma in the summer, has been ruled out for about 12 months post-surgery and still has a considerable journey ahead in his rehabilitation.

“He is not in a good situation, of course, because he tore his ACL, which means he will be out for roughly a year,” Slot stated.

“Being so young, moving to a new country, and performing so well in your first match… it’s very challenging to find the positive aspects.

“There’s rarely a silver lining, but he is still quite young, so he has many years ahead of him after recovering from such a severe injury.”

Expected return date: September