Why Hugo Ekitike is not playing for Liverpool against Fulham

Liverpool team confirmed to face Fulham in the Premier League at Craven Cottage.

Liverpool have made three changes for their Premier League clash against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Liverpool's French striker #22 Hugo Ekitike celebrates scoring the team's second goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on December 13, 2025. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images

placeholder image — Liverpool's French striker #22 Hugo Ekitike celebrates scoring the team's second goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on December 13, 2025. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images

Hugo Ekitike is not fit enough to make the squad for the Reds in the capital. Ekitike started the 0-0 draw against Leeds United on New Year’s Day and has hit 11 goals so far this season. However, Liverpool have confirmed the striker has picked up a minor injury, so Cody Gakpo comes into the starting line-up.

Florian Wirtz has been carrying a hamstring issue and was withdrawn against Leeds to managehis minutes but the Germany international is OK to feature from the outset at Fulham.

Jeremie Frimpong, who had recently recovered from a two-month hamstring injury, drops to the bench despite impressing against Leeds, with Alexis Mac Allister returning.

At left-back, Milos Kerkez is back from the outset Andy Robertson among the substitutes. There is some good news on the injury front as Joe Gomez is fit enough to make the bench, having missed the past three games.

Liverpool: Alisson, Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Wirtz, Gakpo.

Subs: Mamardashvili, Woodman, Gomez, Chiesa, Robertson, Frimpong, Nyoni, Ramsay, Ngumoha.