Liverpool manager Arne Slot rowed back on his previous diagnosis that Hugo Ekitiké would likely be available for Thursday’s blockbuster trip to Arsenal, revealing instead that the French striker was yet to return to training.

Arne Slot has confirmed striker Hugo Ekitike is a doubt to feature for Liverpool against Arsenal in Thursday's Premier League clash at Emirates Stadium.

In a report headlined ‘Bombshell: Liverpool to dismiss Arne Slot’, it’s alleged that the 47-year-old ‘has been walking on a tightrope for months’ and that the club’s ‘patience has run out’, adding that the Dutchman ‘will not continue at the helm beyond this week’.

Liverpool’s nine-match unbeaten run has eased pressure on Slot in the Anfield dugout, but performances remain inconsistent and unconvincing. Even victories have highlighted defensive frailties and draws with Leeds United (twice), Sunderland and Fulham underscore how far the Reds still must climb.

Liverpool, Arne Slot and a January Reality Check Ahead of ArsenalLiverpool’s first Arne Slot press conference of 2026 arrived wrapped in familiar winter strangeness. As David Lynch explained on his

Back in November, when Slot was coming under intense pressure over his job and with local and trusted paper the Liverpool Echo claiming the 47-year-old was a ‘week away from the sack’, both The Mirror and The Sun simultaneously ran articles claiming Enrique was FSG’s ‘dream target’ and No 1 option to step into the Anfield hotseat.

All the latest from Premier League reaction and news conferences as Mikel Arteta and Arne Slot speak before Arsenal v Liverpool on Thursday.

Arne Slot Keeps Focus Amid Marc Guehi Transfer NoiseLiverpool’s January transfer window has been nudged into life by developments at Crystal Palace, yet Arne Slot has made it clear that speculation