Liverpool XI vs Arsenal predicted lineup and injury latest

Liverpool look set to head to the Emirates Stadium without one of their key attacking figures, with Hugo Ekitike expected to miss tonight’s Premier League clash against Arsenal.

The Reds face a difficult test against the league leaders, and the absence of Ekitike represents a significant setback as Arne Slot weighs up his attacking options.

Ekitike was already unavailable for the weekend draw at Fulham after suffering a muscle issue in training, with initial hope that he would recover in time for Arsenal’s visit.

Slot explained the situation shortly after that game.

“[Ekitike] felt something during training, so he went for an MRI scan,” Slot said.
“We were hoping it was just a bit of DOMS, but unfortunately we saw a little bit more, and then you cannot take a risk.”

As of Wednesday morning, the striker had yet to train with his team-mates, leaving Liverpool resigned to managing without him once again.

“Not trained with us until now,” Slot added. “Let’s see if he can today. I said a few days ago he won’t be out for long, but because games come so fast, he’s in between training with the team or needing one or two extra days.”

With Ekitike sidelined, Cody Gakpo is expected to operate as Liverpool’s central attacker.

Gakpo filled the role effectively at Fulham, scoring from the middle of the front line, and may again be used as the focal point — though Slot could opt for a fluid front three rather than a fixed striker system.

Florian Wirtz is expected to start from the left, while Jeremie Frimpong could provide width and pace on the right.

A move to a 4-3-3 system would see Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister drop into deeper roles alongside Ryan Gravenberch.

That adjustment would likely come at the expense of Curtis Jones, who is expected to start on the bench.

At the back, Conor Bradley is likely to retain his place at right-back after another solid display.

On the opposite flank, Slot may turn to experience, with Andrew Robertson favoured over Milos Kerkez, whose form has fluctuated in recent outings.

Alisson, Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Frimpong, Gakpo, Wirtz

Doubts, Ekitike
Injured, Isak, Endo, Leoni
AFCON, Salah

Kick-off, 8pm GMT, Thursday January 8, 2026
Venue, Emirates Stadium
TV, Sky Sports

Liverpool head to north London already short-handed, and the likely absence of Ekitike places extra emphasis on control in midfield and efficiency in transition. Slot’s selection suggests flexibility rather than rigidity, but against an Arsenal side in strong form, Liverpool will need near-perfect execution to leave the Emirates with a result.