Liverpool player has leaked team news ahead of Arsenal clash
Liverpool’s preparations for a crucial Premier League fixture away to Arsenal have been accompanied by renewed online speculation after Fantasy Premier League activity linked to the club was noticed by supporters.
While Liverpool have yet to confirm any team news, the timing of recent changes made on Fantasy Premier League platforms has led some fans to question whether forward Hugo Ekitike will be available for Thursday night’s match at the Emirates Stadium.
Title race context
Arne Slot’s side travel to north London under growing pressure after a run of results that has slowed their momentum in the league.
Liverpool have gone two Premier League matches without a win, drawing at Anfield against Leeds United before being held to a point by Fulham at Craven Cottage. Arsenal, meanwhile, sit top of the table and hold a six-point advantage over Manchester City as the campaign moves toward its final stretch.
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The meeting comes at a pivotal stage for both clubs, with Liverpool looking to stay in touch at the top end of the table and Arsenal aiming to tighten their grip on the title race.
Injury concerns
Fitness issues have added to the uncertainty surrounding Liverpool’s selection for the trip to the Emirates.
Ekitike was absent from last weekend’s draw with Fulham after the club described his problem as a minor hamstring injury. With Alexander Isak already ruled out, Liverpool’s attacking depth has become a point of concern ahead of a demanding away fixture.
The club has so far offered limited detail on the forward’s recovery, leaving his status unclear in the days leading up to the match.
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Online clues spotted
According to reporting by SPORTbible, activity on Fantasy Premier League platforms involving Liverpool personnel has added fuel to the speculation.
The changes were highlighted by FPL Focal, a website that tracks Fantasy Premier League participation by Premier League players and staff. Liverpool defender Conor Bradley, along with head of rehab physiotherapy Lee Nobes and staff member Neil Jones, all removed Ekitike from their Fantasy Premier League starting line-ups earlier this week.
While Fantasy Premier League selections are not an official indicator of squad availability and are often influenced by factors unrelated to team news, the similar timing of the changes has nevertheless been discussed by supporters on social media.
Manager’s response
Slot has stopped short of providing a definitive update on Ekitike’s fitness, stressing the difficulty of managing minor injuries during a congested schedule.
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Asked whether the forward could be available to face Arsenal, the Liverpool manager said:
"Could be. Let’s wait and see how he does and the days after. It’s always going to be a thin line and a difficult balance. If a player is not available today, is he then available in four days?"
Liverpool’s final squad will be confirmed closer to kick-off on Thursday night, with any uncertainty around selection unlikely to be resolved until then.
Sources: SPORTbible, FPL Focal
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