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Liverpool’s newest dropped factors carried a deeper context than the 2-2 scoreline steered, with one choice made earlier than kick-off quietly shaping every thing that adopted at Craven Cottage.
Arne Slot was compelled right into a rethink when Hugo Ekitike was dominated out late, eradicating a focus from our assault in a recreation that already demanded endurance and precision.
The French ahead had travelled with the squad, however a coaching concern rapidly escalated into one thing extra critical as soon as scans have been reviewed mid-journey.
Talking through Liverpoolfc.com after the match, our head coach defined why no dangers have been taken.
“Sure, [Hugo] travelled as a result of he felt one thing through the coaching session,” the Dutchman stated.
“We have been hoping it was solely DOMS [Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness]… however sadly, we noticed a bit bit extra and then you definitely can not take a danger.”
That decision left us with out a striker who has been immediately concerned in six of our earlier 9 targets, altering the rhythm of a aspect already adapting to life with out a number of attacking choices.
Ekitike workload highlights rising Liverpool concern
Slot made clear that Ekitike’s concern is rooted in workload quite than a freak incident, with the 23-year-old experiencing relentless calls for for the primary time in his profession.
“He has to play 80 or 90 minutes each single recreation for the primary time in his life at Premier League degree,” the previous Feyenoord coach defined.
“For the primary time with out a winter break, for the primary time at Champions League degree.”
That context provides weight to earlier remarks made after Leeds, when the Liverpool boss spoke about defending key attackers throughout an unforgiving run of fixtures involving minimal rotation.
It additionally aligns with reporting earlier than kick-off that steered the membership have been hopeful Ekitike can be out there once more rapidly, quite than risking an extended absence.
What Ekitike absence meant for Liverpool at Fulham
And not using a recognised No.9, Liverpool’s first-half efficiency lacked penetration regardless of heavy possession, echoing current considerations that opponents are more and more comfy sitting deep towards us.
Florian Wirtz’s second-half equaliser injected momentum, however even then the construction felt improvised quite than fluent.
Slot additionally confirmed that Wirtz has been managing comparable bodily calls for, saying the German had not too long ago undergone an MRI that thankfully confirmed solely fatigue-related soreness.
“If I don’t have that many gamers, I would love those I do have out there and enjoying as many minutes as potential, however realistically. That’s what I attempted to do at this time,” he admitted.
That realism could frustrate supporters within the brief time period, but it displays an extended view as we stability home and European commitments.
With Arsenal subsequent, Liverpool’s hope is that Ekitike’s absence proves temporary quite than symbolic of a deeper pressure starting to point out.
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