Conor Bradley Cut Ekitike From FPL Team

The most eye-catching Premier League fixture this week, on paper at least, will be between Arsenal and Liverpool. Top of the table Gunners host the reigning champions in what could be a defining moment in Mikel Arteta’s title charge.

With a six-point lead over Manchester City, the north London outfit will be desperate to assert their authority with a statement home win. Having won the competition last term, Arne Slot’s team have fallen off considerably in 2025/26 so far, but still possess plenty of quality to cause Arsenal plenty of problems.

That said, Liverpool will come into the game missing key summer signing Alexander Isak, who broke his leg against Tottenham Hotspur in December, as well as Mohamed Salah, who is at AFCON with Egypt. It now appears as though the Reds are set to miss another key forward through injury.

Hugo Ekitike Fitness in Doubt Ahead of Arsenal Clash

As per eagle-eyed fans online, two members of the Liverpool team have recently removed Hugo Ekitike from their Fantasy Football sides ahead of the trip to the Emirates. Fullback Conor Bradley and Head of Physiotherapy Lee Nobes both removed the Frenchman from their team, which suggests he won’t be fit in time to play any part.

Ekitike has been one of the Anfield club’s best players this season, scoring 11 goals in all competitions, but missed the 2-2 draw away at Fulham with a thigh issue. He actually travelled with the team for the game, but missed out after receiving late results of an MRI.

Slot has since said it was a hamstring injury, but was hopeful that the goalscorer would be back in time for the Arsenal trip.

Slot Explains Ekitike’s Injury Issue

Slot spoke about Ekitike’s current injury issue after the draw with Fulham Explaining the forward’s fitness status, he told the press:

“Yes, he travelled because he felt something during the training session. He felt something during the MRI scan and we got the results when we were flying. We were hoping it was a bit of DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness), which he also had.

“Why? Because Alex Isak has been out and since Alex has been out, he doesn’t play 60 or 70 minutes and sometimes gets a bit of rest. He has to play 80 or 90 minutes every single game for the first time in his life without a winter break and for the first time, at Champions League level.”It’s not a big surprise he gets a bit of DOMS. We were hoping it would be DOMS and we could have used him as a sub but, unfortunately, we saw a bit more and couldn’t take a risk.”

There had been hope that Ekitike would return in time to play some role in the match against Arsenal on Thursday night (8 January). However, with two Bradley and Nobes taking the striker out of their FPL teams, they may well have inadvertently ‘leaked’ some important team news.

Stats via Premier League Injuries