LONDON -- Hugo Ekitike was left out of Liverpool's squad for their 2-2 draw at Fulham due to a minor hamstring issue. The France international's absence left Liverpool without a clear striking option, with Alexander Isak ruled out through injury and Mohamed Salah on international duty at AFCON.

Hugo Ekitiké is absent from the Liverpool squad for the second game running, as the Reds face Premier League leaders at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday night.

The biggest game of this Premier League matchweek is Arsenal hosting Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium. It is the last game of matchweek 21 of the Premier League. Arsenal are top of the Premier League table while Liverpool sits 4th. Arsenal is on 48 points after 20 league games, and Liverpool is on 34 points after 20 league games.

Premier League match stream, latest score and goal updates - A heavyweight showdown at the Emirates to conclude midweek action from the Premier League

Ekitike has arguably been Liverpool’s best piece of summer business and is the club’s top scorer in the Premier League this season with eight goals to his name. The Frenchman also missed the side’s trip to Fulham last weekend and Slot confirmed that the forward still hadn’t trained as he faced the media on Wednesday.

Chelsea have won just two Premier League games since the November international break, however, and will be tested by the in-form Cottagers. Fulham’s weekend draw with Liverpool extended their unbeaten league run to five matches and ensured they remain just three points off their upcoming visitors.

League leaders Arsenal seek an eighth successive top-flight home win on Thursday at the expense of the side they are hoping to depose as champions, Liverpool. Mind the gap Mikel Arteta said his Arsenal side's fightback to win after giving Bournemouth an early goal on Saturday "says a lot about how much we've grown".