HUGO FITS THE BILL

Ekitike backed to lead line after getting himself strong for Prem

- BY PAUL GORST

ARNE SLOT has backed Hugo Ekitike to stay fit and firing during Alexander Isak's recovery from a broken leg as the Liverpool striker leads the line against Wolves today.

Ekitike (right), who has scored five goals in his last three Premier League appearances, is now Slot's only available senior centre-forward after Isak had surgery at a time when Cody Gakpo is sidelined and Mohamed Salah is with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Slot also pointed to Federico Chiesa's availability but the versatile Italian has made just one Premier League start for the Reds since his move in August 2024.