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Arne Slot confirms if Hugo Ekitike could face Arsenal after squad omission vs Fulham
Arne Slot confirms if Hugo Ekitike could face Arsenal after squad omission vs Fulham
The margins are tightening, the pressure is rising, and Arsenal are no longer glancing over their shoulder – they are staring straight ahead.
Thursday night’s showdown with Liverpool at the Emirates is not just another fixture in a crowded calendar; it is a collision of momentum, belief and ambition at the sharp end of the title race. As Mikel Arteta prepares his side for one of the season’s most defining tests, uncertainty has crept into Liverpool’s camp.
Slot: Ekitike has put in the hard work…
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Arsenal’s attention has swiftly turned from consolidation to confrontation. With momentum building at the top of the Premier League, Thursday night’s meeting with Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium looms as one of the defining fixtures of the season’s second half.
For Mikel Arteta, the task is twofold: maintain control of a title push that has gathered pace, while navigating the fine margins that separate elite sides in heavyweight encounters. Squad availability, always critical, is under close scrutiny on both sides, and Liverpool’s preparations have already been disrupted.
One notable absentee from Liverpool’s weekend trip to Fulham was Hugo Ekitike. The French forward was omitted from the matchday squad at Craven Cottage, immediately raising questions about his availability for the clash with Arsenal.
Arne Slot explains Ekitike’s absence
Speaking to Sky Sports before kick-off, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot offered clarity on the situation, pointing to workload rather than a major injury.
“Alexander Isak has been out for a few weeks now,” Slot explained. “That has meant that Hugo had to play more minutes than he did throughout the whole season.”
The knock-on effect, Slot suggested, was inevitable. “That has led to the fact that he picked up a slight hamstring injury, because we had to play him more and more and more minutes.”
For a 22-year-old still adapting to the physical and tactical demands of English football, the strain has been significant. “For a player that’s his age and is not used to the Premier League completely, that has been a bit too much,” Slot added.
The Liverpool coach stopped short of ruling Ekitike out of the Arsenal game, but his conclusion was deliberately cautious. “So, that’s why he will be out for today and hopefully be back for the Arsenal game, but that’s definitely not sure yet.”
Ekitike’s potential absence matters. Since Isak’s injury, Liverpool have leaned heavily on the Frenchman’s mobility and ability to stretch defensive lines. He offers vertical threat, pressing energy and a willingness to run channels, traits that fit Slot’s transitional attacking model.
Without him, Liverpool’s attacking structure changes. They become less direct, more reliant on wide progression and second-line runners rather than a central focal point capable of pinning centre-backs. Against Arsenal’s disciplined defensive shape, that distinction is significant.
Slot’s comments underline the risk Liverpool have been forced to take due to squad depth issues. Increased minutes, reduced rotation and adaptation to a new league have converged at an awkward moment in the calendar.
Why Arsenal could benefit
From Arsenal’s perspective, uncertainty around Ekitike’s fitness represents a potential advantage. Arsenal have built much of their recent success on defensive control, particularly at home, where they manage space between the lines effectively and limit central penetration.
If Liverpool arrive without a fully fit Ekitike, Arsenal’s centre-backs may face fewer vertical duels and less sustained pressure in behind. That, in turn, allows Arsenal’s midfield screen to operate higher up the pitch, compressing space and dictating tempo.
Arteta’s side are comfortable defending wide deliveries, but they are at their strongest when denying opponents a reference point through the middle. Ekitike’s absence would reduce Liverpool’s ability to vary their attacking approach and could force Slot into compromises he would rather avoid in such a high-stakes fixture.
Slot’s “hopefully” and “not sure yet” were telling. Liverpool will give Ekitike every chance to recover, but hamstring issues are rarely predictable, particularly with limited recovery time between fixtures.
Read More: Arsenal latest injury news and return dates: key player likely to return against Liverpool
For Arsenal, the focus will remain on preparation rather than speculation. Yet in matches of this magnitude, even marginal shifts in availability can tilt the balance.
If Ekitike does miss out, Arsenal would face a Liverpool side still dangerous but arguably less equipped to stress their defensive structure in the most direct way. If he plays, questions will remain about sharpness and durability.
Either way, Slot’s update has added another layer of intrigue to a colossal meeting. Arsenal will not rely on absences to define their approach, but they will be keenly aware that Liverpool arriving without one of their key attacking outlets could subtly reshape the contest in their favour.
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Here’s the latest confirmed list of Liverpool’s January (2026) signings and transfer activity so far (updates as of 9 January 2026):
✅ Confirmed Liverpool Signings (January 2026)
Noah Adekoya – 19-year-old centre-back signed from Burnley and has joined the club, likely initially with the U21s. �
The Liverpool Offside
Mor Talla Ndiaye (sometimes reported as *Mor Ndiaye/Talla Ndiaye) – 18-year-old Senegalese centre-back agreed to join Liverpool, expected to feature with the youth/U21 side initially. �
The Liverpool Offside +1
Ifеanyi Ndukwe – 17-year-old Austrian centre-back with a deal agreed; he’ll join Liverpool when eligible (typically summer 2026 or once administrative conditions are met for youth moves). �
Football Transfers +1
👉 These moves are mostly youth defensive signings as Liverpool look to bolster long-term depth — especially at centre-back. They are not senior first-team stars but promising young prospects. �
TEAMtalk
🔄 Other January Transfer Activity
Owen Beck returned from his loan at Derby to Liverpool — this is a return from loan rather than a fresh signing. �
ESPN.com
James Norris left Liverpool permanently, joining Shelbourne. �
ESPN.com
⚠️ Rumours & Targets (Not Confirmed Yet)
Liverpool have been linked with or are said to be interested in various players but none are officially signed yet:
Joel Ordóñez – Belgian centre-back (linked but unconfirmed). �
Harvey Elliott – linked with a return from Aston Villa (rumour). �
Attacking targets like Yan Diomande, Michael Olise, Yankuba Minteh have been mentioned as potential January targets, though nothing is confirmed. �
This Is Anfield
Federico Chiesa is reportedly attracting interest from Juventus away from Liverpool — not a confirmed exit yet. �
Black & White & Read All Over
📊 Summary Table
Category
Player
Type
Status
In
Noah Adekoya
CB
Confirmed
In
Mor Talla Ndiaye
CB
Agreed / Pending
In
Ifeanyi Ndukwe
CB
Agreed / Youth
Return
Owen Beck
LB
Returned from loan
Out
James Norris
LB
Permanent move
(CB = Centre Back, LB = Left Back)
If you want, I can also list every Premier League January transfer done so far (not just Liverpool). Just let me know!
As of today there is no confirmed transfer that Liverpool have signed Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace.
There are only ongoing transfer rumours and interest reports — but no official confirmation that the move has happened. �
Sky Sports +1
📌 Current Situation
Marc Guehi is still a Crystal Palace player and is expected to continue there this season — Palace boss Oliver Glasner has said he believes Guehi will remain at Selhurst Park this January. �
Sky Sports
His contract expires at the end of the season and he refused a new deal, so he’s likely to leave when that contract ends. �
Sky Sports
Liverpool remain interested, but according to reliable sources they are not planning to complete the transfer now; they may wait for Guehi to move as a free agent in summer 2026. �
Goal
🚨 Rumours (but not confirmed)
Liverpool had a bid in the past, and discussions have taken place, but Crystal Palace blocked the deal previously because they couldn’t secure a replacement. �
Goal
Other clubs (e.g., Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid) have also shown interest. �
Football365
✅ Official stance: No, Liverpool have not confirmed the signing of Marc Guehi.
If you want the latest verified update (e.g., around live transfer window changes), let me know and I can pull that for you.
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Arsenal completes their first ever January transfer signing as £65m Winger who scored 15goals this season so far joins Arsenal on a 5yr deal with option for further season,player was on stand to watch Arsenal game last night
Arsenal transfer news: Ethan Nwaneri reaches exit decision as £80m agreement eyed
Mirror Football brings you a round-up of the latest transfer news surrounding Arsenal
Mikel Arteta is hoping his Arsenal team can go all the way this season
Arsenal may be in the midst of a title race but they are still working quietly behind the scenes on transfers. Mikel Arteta has already admitted the club is willing to spend in January should the opportunity arise.
Heading into the Premier League clash with Liverpool on Thursday night, the Gunners hold a five-point advantage over rivals Manchester City, with an opportunity to stretch that to eight points after 21 games with a win over the title holders.

Arteta’s stacked squad, thanks to a summer of heavy expenditure on quality players, ensured they came out of an injury-riddled past four months unscathed, as some key players recently made their return to fitness.
Yet, in a division as tough as this and with four trophies to fight for, there is always room for squad improvement. Here, Mirror Football brings you two of the latest transfer developments involving the north London club.
Read more

Arsenal transfer news: Windfall boost expected from contract clause and tug-of-war with rivals


Arsenal can prove Liverpool star wrong and put Man City to bed along with bottlers label

Ethan Nwaneri makes exit decision
Ethan Nwaneri reportedly wants to stay and fight for his place in the Arsenal team for the remainder of the season. The 18-year-old has attracted attention from Bournemouth this month, with the Premier League side eager to sign him on loan until the end of this campaign following the sale of Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City.
There is a sense that a temporary move would benefit Nwaneri given his lack of playing time this season. The Hale End academy product has been left out of the last few matchday squads after seeing his playing time decrease drastically compared to last season. He has made only six Premier League appearances since scoring four league goals in 26 matches last term.
Ethan Nwaneri has been less involved this season(Getty Images)
With the likes of Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze and now injury returnee Kai Havertz ahead of the youngster in the pecking order, some believe Nwaneri needs a move to continue his progression. However, Arsenal do not want to sell the player due to his obvious talent.
The Independent reports Nwaneri feels he can learn more by being part of a serious title challenge, meaning he is happy to remain patient and assess his situation at the end of the season, when he may well have a league trophy to his name.
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